A.) Per M.S. 116P. 05. Public commission members must (1) Have experience or expertise in the science, policy, or practice of the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources; (2) have strong knowledge in the state's environment and natural resource issues around the state; (3) have demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative environment; and (4) not be a registered lobbyist.
B) Per M.S. 116P.09, Subdivision 6. Conflict of Interest.
1) "A commission member, a technical advisory committee member, a peer review panelist, or an employee of the commission may not participate in or vote on a decision of the commission, advisory committee, or peer review panel relating to an organization in which the member, panelist, or employee has either a direct or indirect personal financial interest. While serving on the commission…a person shall avoid any potential conflict of interest.
2) "A commission member may not vote on a motion regarding the final recommendations of the commission required under section 116P.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), if the motion relates to an organization in which the member has a direct personal financial interest. If a commission member is prohibited from voting under this paragraph, the number of affirmative votes required under section 116P.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), is reduced by the number of members ineligible to vote under this paragraph."
C) A commission member is considered a "Public Official" and subject to M.S.10A Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure requirements.