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SF570 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Permitting efficiency reporting requirements provisions modifications, environmental and resource management permit application process efficiency improvements provisions, Pollution Control Agency permitting provisions modifications, and appropriation

AI Generated Summary

Senate File No. 570 is a legislative bill designed to improve the efficiency of environmental permitting and regulation processes in Minnesota. This bill aims to make several changes to existing laws to speed up permitting, especially for projects that involve environmental considerations. Key points include:

  1. Application Process Improvements: The bill proposes to clarify the start of 60-day time limits for agency actions on permits and applications when all required information is submitted.

  2. Permitting Efficiency Goals: Defines deadlines for issuing environmental and resource management permits: 90 days for simpler (tier 1) permits and 150 days for more complex (tier 2) permits.

  3. Permitting Efficiency Reports: Mandates semiannual reporting by the commissioner to track and improve the efficiency of the permitting process. This includes identifying reasons for any delays and documentation requirements.

  4. Electronic Submissions: Encourages electronic submissions of permit documents to streamline the process.

  5. Environmental Impact Analysis: Modifies review processes and removes duplicative requirements to expedite the environmental impact assessments and permitting for certain projects.

  6. Ombudsman for Business Permitting: Establishes an ombudsman role to aid businesses in navigating the permitting process, enhancing communication between businesses and regulatory bodies.

  7. Public Involvement and Agency Coordination: Outlines procedures for public hearings and coordination among various agencies to minimize redundancy and speed up decision-making processes.

  8. Impact of Changes to Specific Sectors: Specifically addresses the permitting processes associated with facilities like those dealing with waste and air contaminants, setting specific conditions under which these permits are issued or denied.

  9. Budget and Appropriation: Includes provisions for financial appropriations necessary to implement these improvements.

Overall, the bill is focused on making environmental permitting more efficient, thereby supporting economic development while still maintaining environmental protections. It seeks to make the process more transparent, predictable, and quicker to navigate for businesses.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 22, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 22, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 22, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 22, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy
January 22, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy
January 22, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor stricken
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor stricken
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended and re-refer toState and Local Government
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended and re-refer toState and Local Government
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
May 04, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass and re-referred toFinance
May 04, 2025SenateFloorActionPursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4, referred toRules and Administration

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "The commissioner must allow electronic submission of environmental reviews and permit documents."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies permitting efficiency reporting requirements under section 116.03, subdivision 2b.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes in annual documentation requirements and reporting of permit applications not meeting goals."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116.03",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2b"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Authorization for the Pollution Control Agency to issue separate permits for construction and operation of facilities."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the existing framework for issuing environmental permits under section 116.07, subdivision 4a.",
      "modified": [
        "Adds consideration for cumulative levels and effects of pollution for certain facility locations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116.07",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Permittees can request expedited permit processing under specific conditions."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies permit fee structures as outlined in section 116.07, subdivision 4d.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies what permit fees can cover and introduces fee surcharges for expedited processing."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116.07",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4d"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Publication requirements for notice of completion of environmental worksheets."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill changes procedures related to environmental assessment worksheets under section 116D.04, subdivision 2a.",
      "modified": [
        "Timelines for public comment period and decision-making criteria."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116D.04",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows local governments to begin review processes before certain assessments are completed."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill addresses project prerequisites concerning environmental review under section 116D.04, subdivision 2b.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "116D.04",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2b"
  }
]

Sponsors