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MN SF570

Permitting efficiency reporting requirements provisions modifications, environmental and resource management permit application process efficiency improvements provisions, Pollution Control Agency permitting provisions modifications, and appropriation


summary

Introduced
01/23/2025
In Committee
05/13/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

94th Legislature 2025-2026

Bill Summary

A bill for an act relating to environment; 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; authorizing local governments to begin reviewing feedlot permit applications before environmental review is complete; eliminating scoping environmental assessment worksheet requirements for projects requiring an environmental impact statement; requiring modification of the state implementation plan; requiring reports; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 116.03, subdivision 2b; 116.07, subdivisions 4a, 4d; 116D.04, subdivisions 2a, 2b.

AI Summary

This bill aims to improve the environmental permitting process in Minnesota by modifying several key provisions related to permit efficiency, application processes, and environmental reviews. The bill requires the Pollution Control Agency to establish management systems to issue tier 1 and tier 2 permits within specific timeframes (90 and 150 days, respectively) and mandates an annual detailed permitting efficiency report with comprehensive statistics and explanations for delays. The agency must now allow electronic permit submissions, provide clear notifications about application completeness, and offer more transparent communication with applicants. The bill also authorizes the agency to issue separate construction and operation permits for certain facilities, streamlines environmental review processes by eliminating redundant assessment worksheet requirements for projects already requiring environmental impact statements, and allows local governments to begin reviewing certain permit applications before environmental review is complete. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for expedited permitting, where applicants can request faster processing by agreeing to reimburse the agency for additional staff time, and establishes new rules for petitioning environmental assessments. The legislation's intent is to create a more predictable, transparent, and efficient permitting system that supports economic growth while maintaining environmental protections.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Comm report: Adopt previous comm report Senate Concurrent Resolution 4 suspended (on 05/13/2025)

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