Bill > HF16

This bill introduces comprehensive regulatory provisions for data centers in Minnesota, focusing on environmental, energy, and economic development aspects. The bill defines a data center as a facility with at least 100 megawatts of load primarily designed for digital data storage and processing, and establishes a new category of "qualified large-scale data centers" with specific investment and construction requirements. Key provisions include creating a streamlined permitting process through the Minnesota Business First Stop Program, establishing new water appropriation evaluation procedures for large data centers, and introducing a clean energy and capacity tariff for commercial and industrial customers. The bill also implements a significant annual fee structure for large-scale data centers based on their peak electrical demand, ranging from $2 million to $5 million, with the collected funds dedicated to energy conservation and weatherization programs. Additionally, the legislation provides sales and use tax exemptions for data center equipment and infrastructure, mandates sustainable design certifications, requires prevailing wage rates for construction workers, and creates special considerations for data centers in various utility and energy standard calculations. The bill aims to attract large-scale data center investments to Minnesota while ensuring environmental responsibility and supporting broader state energy conservation goals.

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0016&ssn=1&y=2025