Bill > HF3179

This bill establishes a comprehensive building energy performance standards program in Minnesota aimed at significantly reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings. The program requires owners of covered buildings (defined as buildings over 50,000 square feet, including public and private properties) to meet progressively strict energy use intensity (EUI) standards, with the ultimate goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% from 2005 levels by 2045. Buildings are classified into four categories based on ownership type and size, with different compliance timelines ranging from 2042 to 2045. The bill creates a Building Performance Advisory Committee to help develop standards, establishes a technical assistance hub to support building owners in meeting requirements, and introduces a grant program to help owners make energy-efficient improvements. Owners who fail to meet the standards may be subject to financial penalties, which can be avoided or mitigated through extensions, exemptions, or adjustments under specific circumstances. The bill also provides special considerations for multifamily affordable housing, allowing them to delay compliance until refinancing. An account will be established to manage penalties and fund improvement grants, and the Commissioner of Commerce will oversee implementation, with the ability to contract with third parties for program management.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF3179&ssn=0&y=2025