Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to manage the disposal of trees that have been infested by the emerald ash borer, a pest that poses a threat to ash trees and is causing significant environmental and economic impact.

Main Provisions

• The bill proposes the allocation of $5,000,000 for the fiscal year 2026.
• This money is designated as a grant for a biomass energy generation plant located in Shakopee, Minnesota.
• The purpose of the grant is to enable the purchase of equipment needed to dispose of wood infested by the emerald ash borer effectively.
• The disposal process will employ waste heat from electricity generation, which is used in the malting process, indicating an environmentally friendly approach that leverages existing resources.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces a specific financial appropriation for tackling the problem of emerald ash borer-infested wood, which is an additional measure to current environmental protection and pest management efforts in Minnesota.
• It emphasizes the use of sustainable energy solutions by aligning wood disposal with biomass energy processes.

Relevant Terms

emerald ash borer, wood disposal, fiscal year 2026, biomass energy, Shakopee, Pollution Control Agency, environmental impact, pest management, ash trees.