This bill, S.F. No. 1744, proposes a prohibition on environmental review and the issuance of permits, licenses, or leases for nonferrous sulfide ore mining to "bad actors." It introduces new requirements under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 93.

Key Provisions:

1. Disclosure Requirements:

   • Any person or business involved in environmental review, permitting, or leasing for nonferrous sulfide ore mining must submit a disclosure statement.
     
   • The disclosure must include:
     • Names, business addresses, and ownership details of individuals and entities involved.
     • Any past violations, charges, indictments, convictions, or settlements related to environmental, natural resources, bribery, or corruption laws (covering the last 15 years).
     • Any civil or administrative sanctions or fines related to environmental, occupational safety, or corruption laws exceeding $1,000,000.
     • Any affiliations with businesses or individuals that have a history of violations.

2. Prohibited Actions:

   • The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) are prohibited from:
     
     • Conducting environmental reviews for nonferrous sulfide ore mining projects.
       
     • Issuing, renewing, assigning, approving, modifying, amending, or transferring permits, licenses, or leases if an applicant or associated entity has been involved in serious violations.
       
   • Disqualification applies to entities with:
     • A history of convictions, penalties, or settlements related to environmental or corruption laws in the last 15 years.
     • Parent companies, subsidiaries, or affiliates that have violated such laws.
     • Officers or directors with a history of violations.

3. Enforcement & Compliance:

   • The commissioner of the DNR and the MPCA must determine eligibility within six months of an applicant submitting a disclosure statement.
     
   • Failure to disclose or providing false information results in automatic disqualification from obtaining permits.

Purpose:

This bill aims to protect public health and the environment by preventing entities with a history of environmental violations, corruption, or noncompliance from conducting nonferrous sulfide ore mining in Minnesota.