Bill > SF577

This bill seeks to improve the efficiency of environmental permitting and wetland conservation determinations in Minnesota through several key provisions. The bill modifies the permitting process at the Pollution Control Agency by requiring separate construction and operation permits, establishing more stringent timelines for permit review, and creating a new ombudsman position to assist businesses with navigating the permitting process. Specifically, the bill mandates that the agency issue tier 1 and tier 2 permits within 90 and 150 days respectively, requires semiannual reporting on permitting efficiency, and allows for expedited permitting with additional fees. The bill also changes environmental review requirements by eliminating scoping environmental assessment worksheet requirements for projects that already require an environmental impact statement and modifying the conditions under which citizens can petition for environmental reviews. Additionally, the legislation establishes an ombudsman for business permitting within the Department of Employment and Economic Development, who will provide assistance to businesses, investigate permitting challenges, and help streamline the regulatory process. The underlying intent of the bill is to create a more predictable, transparent, and efficient permitting system that balances economic development with environmental protection, ultimately aiming to keep Minnesota competitive while maintaining environmental safeguards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0577&ssn=0&y=2025