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HF8 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Wetland Conservation Act determination efficiency improved, permitting efficiency reporting requirements modified, permit application process improved, Pollution Control Agency required to issue separate permits, expedited permitting process modified, petitioners required to reside in affected or adjoining counties, scoping environmental assessment worksheet requirements eliminated, local review clarified, state implementation plan modification required, reports required, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF577

AI Generated Summary

This bill aims to make several adjustments to improve environmental permitting processes in Minnesota. It modifies the Wetland Conservation Act to enhance efficiency in determinations. It also changes reporting requirements for permitting efficiency and improves how environmental and resource management permit applications are handled.

Key changes include: 1. The Pollution Control Agency is now required to issue separate permits for the construction and operation of certain facilities. 2. The expedited permitting process of the Pollution Control Agency is modified. 3. Only residents of affected or adjoining counties can petition for environmental assessment worksheets. 4. Environmental assessment worksheet requirements for projects needing an environmental impact statement are eliminated.

The bill also clarifies the review process by local entities, mandates modification of the state implementation plan, requires periodic reports, and appropriates funds for these activities. It revises and updates several sections of Minnesota Statutes 2024 to align with these new efficiency goals.

Overall, the bill focuses on streamlining processes, clarifying requirements, and ensuring that environmental and resource management decisions are made promptly and transparently, all while safeguarding environmental standards.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 05, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
February 09, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
February 12, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
February 16, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer toWorkforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
February 16, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 19, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer toWays and Means

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on when the 60-day limit resets upon receipt of incomplete information."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None specified."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends the process related to application time extensions under section 15.99.",
      "modified": [
        "Extension conditions when multiple approvals are needed from state agencies."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "15.99"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Reference to limiting extension for determinations under sections 103G.221 to 103G.2375."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None specified."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill mentions section 103G.221 in the context of determining time extensions for agency decisions.",
      "modified": [
        "Links the extension prohibition to determinations under these sections."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.221"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for semiannual reports and criteria for tier 2 reports."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None specified."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies provisions related to the Pollution Control Agency's permitting efficiency reporting.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes in reporting requirements, specifically timing and content obligations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116.03"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Separate permits are required for construction and operation of certain facilities."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None specified."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill revises instructions concerning the issuance of permits by the Pollution Control Agency.",
      "modified": [
        "Conditions under which permits are issued, reflecting changes in agency goals and methods."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116.07"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specification that environmental assessment worksheets aren't required for projects necessitating mandatory impact statements."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None specified."
      ],
      "summary": "Amendments related to environmental review processes under section 116D.04, including conditions for when environmental assessment worksheets and impact statements are required.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified procedures regarding environmental assessment worksheets and impact statements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116D.04"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Duties for an ombudsman for business permitting were established to assist businesses with state permits."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None specified."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill introduces a new subdivision regarding appointing an ombudsman for business permitting.",
      "modified": [
        "Regulation modification responsibilities and engagement with businesses on law development."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116J.035"
  }
]

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