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SF577 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Efficiency improvement of Wetland Conservation Act determinations

Related bill: HF8

AI Generated Summary

Senate File No. 577 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the efficiency of environmental processes through several key adjustments. It proposes changes to the Wetland Conservation Act determinations, modifies permit reporting requirements, and improves the application process for environmental and resource management permits. The bill instructs the Pollution Control Agency to issue separate permits for the construction and operation of certain facilities and modify expedited permitting processes. It also introduces a requirement that those petitioning for environmental assessment worksheets reside in the affected or adjoining counties.

Additionally, the bill seeks to eliminate scoping requirements for environmental assessment worksheets in projects that already demand an environmental impact statement. This is intended to streamline the permitting process by reducing redundant steps. The bill revises several statutes related to permitting processes to ensure deadlines are met and authorizes the Pollution Control Agency to create more efficient management systems.

On top of operational adjustments, the bill proposes the addition of an ombudsman for business permitting to assist with the permitting process, aiming to make it smoother for businesses. Financial appropriations are also part of this proposal, funding the improvements suggested to further streamline the process and maintain an environmentally conscious approach to development and business operations in Minnesota.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 22, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 22, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 22, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy
January 22, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy
January 29, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
January 29, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
SenateFloorAction(Non-revisor companion)
SenateFloorAction(Non-revisor companion)
April 08, 2025SenateFloorActionChief author stricken
April 08, 2025SenateFloorActionChief author stricken
April 08, 2025SenateFloorActionChief author added
April 08, 2025SenateFloorActionChief author added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on mandatory requirements exclusion."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Elimination of mandatory worksheet for certain ethanol plant expansions."
      ],
      "summary": "The legislation removes mandatory environmental assessment worksheet requirements for certain ethanol plant expansions under section 41A.09, subdivision 2a.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "41A.09",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New exclusion for biobutanol facilities under certain conditions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Prior worksheet requirement for the facilities mentioned."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill excludes certain biobutanol facilities from mandatory environmental assessment worksheet requirements under section 41A.15, subdivision 2d.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "41A.15",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2d"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References procedural extensions related to agency permitting processes under sections 103G.221 to 103G.2375.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified permitting timeline extensions with agency approvals."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.221",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Addition of semiannual reports."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Annual report requirements with limited criteria."
      ],
      "summary": "Modifies Pollution Control Agency's permitting efficiency reporting under section 116.03, subdivision 2b.",
      "modified": [
        "Detail on report requirements and agency responsibilities."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116.03",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2b"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Separate permits required for facility construction and operations."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Clarifications made to Pollution Control Agency's permit issuance standards under section 116.07, subdivision 4a.",
      "modified": [
        "Permit issuance process and considerations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116.07",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provisions for additional enforcement fee collection mechanisms."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Ambiguity around existing fee structures."
      ],
      "summary": "Amendments to fee collection policies for environmental permits under section 116.07, subdivision 4d.",
      "modified": [
        "Improved clarity on agency fee assessments and use."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116.07",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4d"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Guidance on process coordination and reporting"
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Fragmented requirements for environmental impact analysis."
      ],
      "summary": "Changes to when environmental assessments and impact statements are required under section 116D.04, subdivision 2a.",
      "modified": [
        "Enhancements on who governs the approval process and stakeholder engagement."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116D.04",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2a"
  }
]

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