Bill > HF1071

This bill implements recommendations from the Aggregate Resources Task Force by making several key changes to how local governments handle natural resource planning. It amends existing statutes to require county and municipal planning authorities to actively protect and preserve aggregate resources (such as sand, gravel, and stone) in their land use decisions, comprehensive plans, and zoning ordinances. The bill mandates that local land use plans must now include specific elements for protecting and developing access to aggregate resources, considering information from the Minnesota Geological Survey. Additionally, the bill appropriates $950,000 in each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the Department of Natural Resources to map aggregate resource potential in counties outside the metropolitan area, update guidelines for reclaiming mining sites, and provide technical assistance to local governments. A separate appropriation of $250,000 in fiscal year 2026 is allocated to update the aggregate resources inventory for the seven-county metropolitan area, with a focus on projecting future resource needs and estimating resource depletion timelines. The commissioner of natural resources is also required to provide recommendations to legislative committees by February 1, 2026, on potential statutory changes to improve local government permitting processes for protecting aggregate resources.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1071&ssn=0&y=2025