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HF954 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Certain determinations required before conducting environmental review and issuing permits relating to proposed nonferrous sulfide ore projects.

Related bill: SF1382

AI Generated Summary

This legislative bill seeks to impose additional requirements for conducting environmental reviews and issuing permits for nonferrous sulfide ore mining projects in Minnesota. It emphasizes the need for these projects to prove, based on established scientific information, that similar mines have operated and closed without causing environmental harm. Key changes and points include:

  1. Scope: Applies to nonferrous sulfide ore projects, which involve metals other than iron, such as copper, nickel, and gold.

  2. Moratorium: Institutes a moratorium on environmental reviews and permit issuance for these projects unless it can be demonstrated that a similar mine has operated in the U.S. for at least ten years and closed for ten years without environmental issues.

  3. Public Involvement: Before deciding on permit issuance or environmental reviews, the public will have the opportunity to comment, and any significant objections can trigger a formal hearing process.

  4. Permit Renewal: Permits for nonferrous sulfide ore mining must be renewed every ten years, with a comprehensive review, including any proposed changes considered a substantial modification.

  5. Comprehensive Definitions: Defines key terms such as "nonferrous sulfide ore" and "similar environment" to ensure clarity in the application of these regulations.

  6. Environmental Standards: Updates to section 115.03 of the Minnesota Statutes enhance the powers and duties of the commissioner concerning water pollution control, including stricter standards and more rigorous permit reviews.

Overall, this bill aims to tighten the regulatory framework for nonferrous sulfide ore mining by requiring comprehensive historical evidence of environmental safety and increased public and governmental oversight before permitting such activities.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
February 18, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 19, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subsection clarifying disbursement rules."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Eliminates previous requirement for municipal matching funds."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies pension fund eligibility for volunteer firefighters under section 353G.06.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts pension payment schedule from annual to quarterly."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "353G.06"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Mining operations must demonstrate compliance according to these definitions for approval."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the definitions of hazardous substances, hazardous waste, or pollutant or contaminants under section 115B.02 for mining operations.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "115B.02"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends the powers and duties of the commissioner related to pollution control under section 115.03.",
      "modified": [
        "Includes additional responsibilities for waste treatment and pollution abatement."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "115.03"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cites chapter 116 in relation to pollution of waters of the state.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "116"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References federal standards for new sources under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "306(d) of the Amendments of 1972 to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act"
  }
]

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