The use of deicing compounds such as road salt (sodium chloride) and calcium chloride on streets and highways in Minnesota has generated substantial controversy over the relative benefits of their use in snow and ice removal practices and their adverse effects. Minnesota has reacted to this controversy by enacting legislation which regulates the use of deicing salt on streets and highways in 1971. In January, 1977 Representatives Mann, Fudro and Lemke introduced House Advisory No. 4. This advisory proposed that a study be undertaken by the House Committee on Transportation with the objective of replacing or significantly reducing the negative effects of salt on vehicles and the environment.
