HF1852
Solar energy generating systems setbacks from parks and wildlife management areas established.
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
The bill establishes distance rules (setbacks) for where solar energy projects can be built, aiming to protect nearby parks and wildlife areas from development.
Main Provisions
- Adds a new subdivision (Subd. 1a) to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216I.05, governing setbacks for solar energy generating systems.
- Prohibits granting a permit to construct a solar energy generating system if the site is within three-quarters of a mile (0.75 mile) of:
- a state park (as defined in section 86A.05, subdivision 2),
- a state wildlife management area (as defined in section 86A.05, subdivision 8),
- or a county park.
- The setback applies to the portion of the permitting process covered by this chapter.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new setback rule within the solar energy permitting framework (Subdivision 1a of section 216I.05).
- Effect: Projects within 0.75 miles of state parks, state wildlife management areas, or county parks may not receive a permit under the current permit chapter, potentially limiting where solar facilities can be sited.
Relevant Terms - solar energy generating system - setbacks - siting - permit - three-quarters of a mile (0.75 mile) - state park - state wildlife management area - county park - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 216I.05 - subdivision 1a - proximity restrictions
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 03, 2025 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Energy Finance and Policy | |
| March 10, 2025 | House | Action | Committee report, to adopt | ||
| March 10, 2025 | House | Action | Second reading | ||
| House | Action | House rule 4.20, interim disposition of bills, returned to | Energy Finance and Policy |
Bill information comes from public records published by the Office of the Revisor of Statutes, the Minnesota House and the Minnesota Senate. AI summaries are written by MinneSlate and are not official. MinneSlate is independent and is not affiliated with the State of Minnesota or the Minnesota Legislature.
Progress through the legislative process
In Committee