HF2912 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Macalester College geothermal energy system funding provided, and money appropriated.
Related bill: SF3211
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The bill aims to allocate funding for the development of a geothermal energy system at Macalester College located in St. Paul, Minnesota. This initiative seeks to improve energy sustainability and efficiency for the college's infrastructure.
Main Provisions
- Funding Allocation: The bill appropriates $2,570,000 from the renewable development account. This funding is designated for fiscal year 2026.
- Grant Issuance: The allocated funds are to be given as a grant by the commissioner of commerce to Macalester College.
- System Construction: The funds are meant for the construction of an aquifer-based geothermal energy system. This system will initially provide heating and cooling for a new residence hall and welcome center.
- Future Expansion Potential: The geothermal energy system will be built with the capability to expand into a district heating and cooling plant for all campus buildings located north of Grand Avenue.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The appropriation is made notwithstanding existing statutory provisions, specifically Minnesota Statutes section 116C.779, which outlines the use of the renewable development account funds. This indicates a specific legislative decision to allocate these funds directly to this project outside of standard procedures.
Relevant Terms
geothermal energy, renewable development account, aquifer-based system, district heating and cooling, Macalester College, fiscal year 2026, commissioner of commerce, renewable energy, energy sustainability, infrastructure efficiency.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 27, 2025 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Energy Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Appropriation of funds for a geothermal energy system at Macalester College."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill relates to an appropriation for a geothermal energy project under section 116C.779.",
"modified": [
""
]
},
"citation": "116C.779",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee