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HF1707 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Local government and Tribal approval for all solar projects required.

Related bill: SF2664

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes changes to Minnesota's statutes to require local government and Tribal approval for all solar energy projects, regardless of size. Key provisions include:

  1. Preapplication Coordination and Approval:

    • At least 30 days before filing an application for a solar project, applicants must notify:
      1) Each local government where the project is proposed,
      2) Minnesota Tribal governments,
      3) State technical resource agencies.
    • This notice must describe the project and allow for coordination and feedback.
    • Solar project applicants must obtain approval from all local and Tribal governments with jurisdiction over the proposed site.

  2. Permit Exemptions:

    • The bill does not change existing exemptions for small wind energy systems and other energy infrastructure below certain capacity limits.
    • A permit from the state's energy commission remains unnecessary for:
      • Small wind energy systems,
      • Power plants or solar projects under 50 megawatts,
      • Energy storage systems under 10 megawatts,
      • Short transmission lines under certain voltage and distance limits.

In summary, the bill strengthens local and Tribal oversight of solar project approvals while maintaining existing permitting exemptions for smaller energy projects.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnergy Finance and Policy
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnergy Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for local and Tribal government approval for all solar projects."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the preapplication coordination and approval process for solar projects under section 216I.05, subdivision 5.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies preapplication notification requirements to include Tribal governments."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216I.05",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This legislation pertains to the exemptions from permitting requirements for small energy projects under section 216I.10, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies capacity exemptions for energy projects not requiring permits."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216I.10",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]

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