Bill > SF2664

This bill requires local government and Tribal approval for all solar energy projects in Minnesota, modifying existing state statutes related to energy project permitting. Specifically, the bill mandates that any applicant seeking to develop a solar project must provide notice to local government units, Minnesota Tribal governments, and state technical resource agencies at least 30 days before filing an official application with the commission. More critically, the bill now requires that the applicant must receive explicit approval from each local unit of government and Minnesota Tribal government that has jurisdiction over the proposed solar project site location. Additionally, the bill removes an existing exemption that previously allowed solar energy generating systems under 50 megawatts to bypass commission permitting, effectively ensuring that all solar projects, regardless of size, must now obtain local and Tribal government approval. This change represents a significant shift in renewable energy project development, giving local and Tribal governments more control over solar energy infrastructure within their jurisdictions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2664&ssn=0&y=2025