Purpose of the Bill

The bill introduces new regulations for the sustainable management of wind and solar energy infrastructure in Minnesota, specifically focusing on the end-of-life handling of such infrastructure to minimize environmental impact.

Main Provisions

• Product Stewardship Program: The bill mandates a stewardship program for discarded wind and solar infrastructure. Producers must create or participate in programs to manage these elements responsibly.
• Stewardship Plan Requirements: Producers must submit plans detailing how they will collect, transport, and recycle discarded infrastructure. Plans need to cover aspects like education, outreach, and end-of-life recycling, with periodic reviews.
• Stewardship Assessment Fee: A fee will be added to the sale price of wind and solar products. This fee covers the costs of waste management and recycling.
• Retail and Producer Obligations: Retailers and producers must ensure products participate in an approved stewardship program to be sold within the state. They are also required to inform consumers about recycling options.
• Recycler Certification: Recyclers must certify compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards.

Significant Changes

• Disposal Ban: The bill establishes a moratorium on disposing of wind and solar infrastructure in Minnesota landfills, pushing for recycling and responsible management solutions instead.
• Reporting Requirements: Annual reports from producers must document progress and compliance with recycling goals, offering transparency on program effectiveness.
• Administrative and Compliance Fees: Fees will be collected to cover the regulatory costs of this initiative, ensuring sustainable funding for the programs.

Relevant Terms

• Wind and solar infrastructure
• Recycling
• Stewardship program
• Product stewardship
• Landfill moratorium
• Environmental compliance