§ 18B.04 PESTICIDE IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT.

(a) The commissioner shall:

(1) determine the impact of pesticides on the environment, including the impacts on surface water and groundwater in this state;

(2) develop best management practices involving pesticide distribution, storage, handling, use, and disposal; and

(3) cooperate with and assist other state agencies and local governments to protect public health, pollinators, and the environment from harmful exposure to pesticides.

(b) The commissioner may assemble a group of experts under section 16C.10 , subdivision 2, to consult in the investigation of pollinator deaths or illnesses. The group of experts may include representatives from local, state, and federal agencies; academia, including the University of Minnesota; the state pollinator bank; or other professionals as deemed necessary by the commissioner. The amount necessary for the purposes of this paragraph, not to exceed $100,000 per fiscal year, is appropriated from the pesticide regulatory account in section 18B.05 .