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HF2852 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Rulemaking to require environmental impact statement for large animal projects required.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to ensure that environmental considerations are prioritized when planning large animal feedlot projects in Minnesota. It aims to protect the environment by requiring detailed impact assessments for substantial projects involving large numbers of animals.

Main Provisions

  • Environmental Impact Statement Requirement: The bill mandates that the construction or expansion of animal feedlot facilities with a capacity of 10,000 or more animal units must undergo an environmental impact statement (EIS).
  • Rule Amendment: The Environmental Quality Board is tasked with amending Minnesota Rules part 4410.4400 to incorporate this requirement.
  • Rule Adoption Process: The rule changes can be expedited using a "good cause" exemption, allowing for more rapid implementation without the usual lengthy rulemaking process.

Significant Changes

This bill introduces a new requirement for an environmental impact statement for large livestock projects, specifically targeting facilities with a capacity of 10,000 or more animal units. Previously, such comprehensive environmental assessments may not have been mandatory for these projects, potentially allowing for their construction without a full evaluation of environmental impacts.

Relevant Terms

  • Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
  • Animal feedlot facility
  • Environmental Quality Board
  • Rulemaking
  • Large animal projects
  • Good cause exemption

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 25, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "The application of the good cause exemption for specific environmental rules."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references the use of the good cause exemption under section 14.388 for rule adoption related to mandatory environmental impact statements.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "14.388",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1 clause 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill clarifies that section 14.386 does not apply to rule adoption in certain circumstances regarding environmental impact statements.",
      "modified": [
        "Exempts certain rule adoptions from the conditions of section 14.386, except as otherwise provided."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "14.386",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors