HF2847

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to establish a clean transportation standard in Minnesota, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels to achieve net-zero carbon intensity by 2050. The bill outlines the development of statewide goals and annual standards for this transition, authorizes the collection of fees, and sets up civil enforcement mechanisms and penalties.

Main Provisions

• Clean Transportation Goals: Establishes a goal to reduce transportation fuel carbon intensity to net-zero by 2050 with specific annual reduction targets set by the commissioner of transportation.
• Credit and Deficit System: Introduces a system where credits are generated by entities providing transportation fuels below the carbon intensity standard. Deficit generators must either produce lesser-intensity fuels, purchase credits, or both to comply.
• Implementation Requirements: Directs the commissioner to develop rules for the program, establish and manage a market for trading credits and deficits, and ensure compliance through audits and enforcement.
• Data and Reporting: Requires the development of methodologies for determining fuel carbon intensity and mandates regular reporting and public comment on program development.
• Fees and Funding: Proposes the establishment of a program fee for credit and deficit generators to cover program costs, along with an initial fee to support program development before full implementation.
  
• Legislative Reporting: Mandates bi-annual reports to the legislature detailing program performance, including compliance reviews, fiscal impacts, and potential legislative changes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Transportation Data Privacy: Amends Minnesota Statutes to classify certain data within the clean transportation program as non-public.
• Rulemaking Authority: Provides the commissioner with authority to adopt rules necessary for implementing the program and adjusts these rules as needed.
• Civil Enforcement: Empowers the commissioner to issue corrective orders and civil penalties for non-compliance, outlining procedures for challenging penalties.

Relevant Terms

clean transportation standard, carbon intensity, credits, deficits, greenhouse gas emissions, GREET model, carbon capture, transportation electrification, rulemaking, public health, civil penalties, program fees.