HF1940

This bill proposes modifications to Minnesota's permissible uses of the remediation fund to allow cost reimbursements for PFAS contamination remediation at emergency response training centers.

Key Provisions:

1. Amendment to Minnesota Statutes 116.155, Subdivision 2:

   • Expands permissible uses of the remediation fund to include reimbursing owners and operators of emergency response training centers for costs incurred in addressing PFAS contamination.
   • Reimbursement only applies if the training center stopped using PFAS-containing firefighting foam by January 1, 2015.
   • Eligible reimbursements (incurred on or after January 1, 2023) may cover:
     • Approved investigation work plans
     • Response, removal, remediation, and monitoring efforts
     • Legal, fiscal, economic, engineering, or architectural studies
     • Other necessary or approved activities.

2. Funding Allocation by Commissioner of Management and Budget:

   • The commissioner will determine allocations to agencies based on work plans submitted by the relevant agencies (Pollution Control Agency, Agriculture, and Natural Resources departments).
   • Adjustments to allocations may be made upon submission of revised work plans.
   • Work plans must be shared with legislative committees on environment and environment finance.

3. Appropriation for Emergency Response Training Centers:

   • Provides $1,000,000 from the environmental fund in fiscal year 2026 for grants to state colleges or universities eligible for reimbursement.
   • Preference will be given to state colleges or universities that have enrolled as cooperative responsible parties in the state's remediation program.

Purpose:

• Addresses contamination from PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) at emergency response training centers due to prior use of firefighting foam.
• Provides financial support for investigation, remediation, and recovery efforts in response to this contamination.

This bill is currently under review by the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy in the Minnesota House of Representatives.