HF1218

HF1218 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Environment and natural resources trust fund appropriations allocated, prior appropriations modified, grant programs established, report required, and money appropriated.

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes appropriations from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for various environmental and conservation projects in the fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The funds will support data collection, research, conservation, restoration, environmental education, and resource management programs.

Key allocations include: - Wildlife and Natural Resource Research: Studies on deer, elk, walleye, wolves, carnivore exposure to rodenticides, and wetland-dependent species. - Water Resources Management: Projects on water quality monitoring, wetland preservation, microplastic research, and PFAS contamination solutions. - Climate Adaptation and Renewable Energy: Initiatives for agrivoltaics (solar farming), hydrogen production, and greenhouse gas reduction. - Invasive Species Control: Research on aquatic invasive species and invasive cattail management. - Environmental Education: Programs for schools, teachers, and underrepresented communities to increase environmental literacy and stewardship. - Land Acquisition and Habitat Restoration: Funds for public land conservation, shoreline stabilization, park improvements, and preservation of native plant species. - Administrative and Compliance Measures: Ensuring oversight and accountability in fund usage.

The bill also modifies prior appropriations, extends project timelines, and sets data-sharing and accountability requirements.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file
1st Engrossment PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 19, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
February 25, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Committee report, to adopt and re-refer to	Ways and Means
March 11, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Committee report, to adopt as amended
March 11, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Second reading
March 12, 2025	House	Floor	Action	House rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day
March 12, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Motion to lay on the table
March 12, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Motion prevailed

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the control and use of income generated from projects funded by the environment and natural resources trust fund.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "116P.10"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Sets guidelines for project accountability and reporting for projects funded under this section.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "3.303"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provides guidelines for competitive matching grants for local park, trail connections, and natural areas.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "85.019"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the designation and protection of scientific and natural areas (SNAs) in Minnesota.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "86A.05"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines the emerging issues account and how funds can be used for unforeseen and urgent issues.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "116P.08"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Relates to administrative use and requirements for the environment and natural resources trust fund.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "116P.09"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Requires the use of native plant species for restoration projects funded under this section.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "84.973"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Covers the fiscal management and accounting for appropriations.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "16A.281"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Sets limits and guidelines for the administrative expenditure of trust fund money.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "116P.11"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Addresses guidelines for reinvestment of project-generated income back into the project.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "116P.10"
  }
]