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MN HF8
MN HF8Wetland Conservation Act determination efficiency improved, permitting efficiency reporting requirements modified, permit application process improved, Pollution Control Agency required to issue separate permits, expedited permitting process modified, petitioners required to reside in affected or adjoining counties, and money appropriated.
summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
94th Legislature 2025-2026
Bill Summary
A bill for an act relating to environment; improving efficiency of Wetland Conservation Act determinations; modifying permitting efficiency reporting requirements; improving the efficiency of the environmental and resource management permit application process; requiring the Pollution Control Agency to issue separate permits for the construction and operation of certain facilities; modifying the expedited permitting process of the Pollution Control Agency; requiring petitioners for environmental assessment worksheets to reside in the affected or adjoining counties; eliminating scoping environmental assessment worksheet requirements for projects requiring an environmental impact statement; clarifying local review; requiring modification of the state implementation plan; requiring reports; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 15.99, subdivision 3; 116.03, subdivision 2b; 116.07, subdivisions 4a, 4d; 116D.04, subdivisions 2a, 2b; 116J.035, by adding a subdivision.
AI Summary
This bill aims to improve Minnesota's environmental permitting and review processes by making several key changes. It requires the Pollution Control Agency to issue separate permits for constructing and operating facilities, with a goal of minimizing the time required for facility development. The bill establishes more specific timelines and reporting requirements for permit applications, mandating that tier 1 permits be issued within 90 days and tier 2 permits within 150 days. It also creates a new ombudsman position within the Department of Employment and Economic Development to assist businesses with obtaining permits, with duties including evaluating permitting processes, monitoring regulations, and helping resolve permitting-related disputes. The bill modifies environmental assessment worksheet requirements, eliminating scoping requirements for projects that already require a mandatory environmental impact statement. Additionally, it requires the Pollution Control Agency to seek federal approval for revisions to the state's Clean Air Act implementation plan and provides $650,000 in funding over two years to support the new ombudsman role. The legislature's intent is to create a more efficient, transparent, and business-friendly permitting system while maintaining environmental protections.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment
Sponsors (34)
Josh Heintzeman (R)*,
Keith Allen (R),
Pam Altendorf (R),
Paul Anderson (R),
Jeff Backer (R),
Dave Baker (R),
Peggy Bennett (R),
John Burkel (R),
Ben Davis (R),
Jeff Dotseth (R),
Bidal Duran (R),
Elliott Engen (R),
Steve Gander (R),
Dawn Gillman (R),
James Gordon (R),
Bobbie Harder (R),
Spencer Igo (R),
Steven Jacob (R),
Krista Knudsen (R),
Jon Koznick (R),
Joe McDonald (R),
Tom Murphy (R),
Nathan Nelson (R),
Harry Niska (R),
Max Rymer (R),
Isaac Schultz (R),
Erica Schwartz (R),
Peggy Scott (R),
Thomas Sexton (R),
Roger Skraba (R),
Chris Swedzinski (R),
Scott Van Binsbergen (R),
Cal Warwas (R),
Natalie Zeleznikar (R),
Last Action
Author added Schwartz (on 04/07/2025)
Official Document
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