Bill > SF2220

This bill appropriates $2,250,000 from Minnesota's renewable development account in fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner of commerce for a grant to Como Zoo in St. Paul to construct a geothermal energy system for the large cats building. The bill defines a geothermal energy system as a system that uses a heat pump to move a heat-transferring fluid through underground piping, which absorbs the earth's constant temperature, and then uses a heat exchanger and ductwork to distribute heated and cooled air throughout a building. The appropriation is made despite a potential existing restriction in Minnesota Statutes, section 116C.779, subdivision 1, paragraph (j), indicating that this bill is specifically creating an exception to allow this funding. By implementing this geothermal system, Como Zoo will be able to more efficiently heat and cool its large cats building using renewable, earth-based temperature regulation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2220&ssn=0&y=2025