ST. PAUL — State Rep. Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, was appointed Monday, Nov. 25, to serve as the next Republican chair of the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee.

Heintzeman was recently reelected to serve his sixth term representing the Brainerd lakes area in the state Legislature.

“It is an honor to serve as chairman of this important committee and I look forward to getting to work helping steward Minnesota’s God-given natural resources for the benefit of generations to come,” Heintzeman said in a news release. “Living in the Brainerd lakes area, we understand how important it is to have clean air and water, the value of science-based forest management, and how outdoor recreational opportunities can drive a local economy. I look forward to getting to work on protecting these assets while also streamlining the state’s permitting process and removing layers of government bureaucracy that have crippled economic growth.”

Heintzeman has long served as the Republican lead on the committee and has been a key voice in St. Paul on matters related to the environment and maintaining Minnesota’s rich natural resources.

The 2025 legislative session begins Jan. 14.

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