SF570

SF570 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Permitting efficiency reporting requirements provisions modifications, environmental and resource management permit application process efficiency improvements provisions, Pollution Control Agency permitting provisions modifications, and appropriation

AI Generated Summary

Senate File No. 570 is a legislative bill designed to improve the efficiency of environmental permitting and regulation processes in Minnesota. This bill aims to make several changes to existing laws to speed up permitting, especially for projects that involve environmental considerations. Key points include:

Application Process Improvements: The bill proposes to clarify the start of 60-day time limits for agency actions on permits and applications when all required information is submitted.
Permitting Efficiency Goals: Defines deadlines for issuing environmental and resource management permits: 90 days for simpler (tier 1) permits and 150 days for more complex (tier 2) permits.
Permitting Efficiency Reports: Mandates semiannual reporting by the commissioner to track and improve the efficiency of the permitting process. This includes identifying reasons for any delays and documentation requirements.
Electronic Submissions: Encourages electronic submissions of permit documents to streamline the process.
Environmental Impact Analysis: Modifies review processes and removes duplicative requirements to expedite the environmental impact assessments and permitting for certain projects.
Ombudsman for Business Permitting: Establishes an ombudsman role to aid businesses in navigating the permitting process, enhancing communication between businesses and regulatory bodies.
Public Involvement and Agency Coordination: Outlines procedures for public hearings and coordination among various agencies to minimize redundancy and speed up decision-making processes.
Impact of Changes to Specific Sectors: Specifically addresses the permitting processes associated with facilities like those dealing with waste and air contaminants, setting specific conditions under which these permits are issued or denied.
Budget and Appropriation: Includes provisions for financial appropriations necessary to implement these improvements.

Overall, the bill is focused on making environmental permitting more efficient, thereby supporting economic development while still maintaining environmental protections. It seeks to make the process more transparent, predictable, and quicker to navigate for businesses.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file
1st Engrossment PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
January 22, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 22, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Environment, Climate, and Legacy
March 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author stricken
March 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author stricken
April 06, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to	State and Local Government
April 06, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on starting the 60-day limit when an agency needs more information."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Application extensions related to multiple state agency approvals and timing.",
      "modified": [
        "Extensions allowed for time limits due to federal law or court orders."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "1599 subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Refers to determinations related to agency action on water permit applications.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "103G.221 to 103G.2375"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for electronic submission of documents.",
        "Requirement to delineate reasons for not meeting permit issuance goals in reports."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifications to permit efficiency goals and reporting requirements.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments to the reporting frequency and criteria for permit efficiency."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116.03 subdivision 2b"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Separate construction and operation permits required.",
        "Introduction of permit professional standards and requirements."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Changes to the permissions for pollution control agency's issuance of permits and fees.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified permit fee structures and conditions for revoking permits."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116.07 subdivisions 4a and 4d"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Roles and responsibilities of a new ombudsman position for business permitting."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendment adding a subdivision related to the ombudsman for business permitting.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "116J.035"
  }
]