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SF4816

Environmental impact statement for data centers requirement provision
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

This bill requires that the construction of data centers undergo an environmental impact review. Specifically, the Environmental Quality Board must amend state rules to require an environmental impact statement (EIS) for data center projects.

Main Provisions

  • The Environmental Quality Board (EQB) must amend Minnesota Rules part 4410.4400 to require a preparation of an environmental impact statement when a data center is built.
  • Definitions: A data center is defined as the type of facility described in Minnesota Statutes section 216B.02 subdivision 11, and it includes a qualified large-scale data center as defined in Minnesota Statutes section 297A.68 subdivision 42 paragraph e.
  • Rulemaking authority: The EQB may use the good-cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause 3 to adopt these rules.
  • Rulemaking process: The bill indicates that Minnesota Statutes section 14.386 does not apply to these rule changes, except as provided under Minnesota Statutes section 14.388.

Definitions and Scope

  • Data center: Any construction project that falls under the defined data center category, including qualified large-scale data centers.
  • Environmental impact statement (EIS): A detailed environmental review required for the construction of data centers.
  • Construction: The physical building or expansion activities for a data center that trigger the EIS requirement.

Administrative Process and Changes to Law

  • Existing law governing environmental rulemaking can be bypassed or expedited for these rules via the good-cause exemption in 14.388, allowing faster implementation.
  • The proposed change modifies how data center projects are reviewed for environmental impacts by tying the construction of such facilities to a formal EIS requirement, implemented through amended rules rather than new statutes.

Implications

  • Data center projects will face formal environmental review prior to construction, potentially affecting project timelines, budgeting, and permitting decisions.
  • The change leverages existing state rulemaking routes but can accelerate adoption of the new EIS requirement due to the good-cause exemption.

Relevant Terms Environmental Quality Board environmental impact statement (EIS) data center construction qualified large-scale data center Minnesota Rules part 4410.4400 Minnesota Statutes section 216B.02 subdivision 11 Minnesota Statutes section 297A.68 subdivision 42 paragraph e good-cause exemption Minnesota Statutes section 14.388 Minnesota Statutes section 14.386

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 25, 2026SenateActionIntroduction and first reading
March 25, 2026SenateActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cites Minnesota Statutes section 216B.02 subdivision 11 to define what constitutes a 'data center' for purposes of this act.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "216B.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 11"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cites Minnesota Statutes section 297A.68 subdivision 42 paragraph e to include a 'qualified largescale data center' within the definition of a data center.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "297A.68",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 42 paragraph e"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cites Minnesota Statutes section 14.388 subdivision 1 clause 3 as the good-cause exemption to adopt rules under this section.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "14.388",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1 clause 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cites Minnesota Statutes section 14.386, noting it does not apply except as provided under 14.388.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "14.386",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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