SF992

SF992 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Wetland replacement rations modification

AI Generated Summary

The bill, Senate File No. 992, is designed to amend current laws relating to wetland conservation in Minnesota. The key changes proposed include:

Wetland Replacement Ratios: This bill modifies how wetlands should be replaced if they are drained or filled. Wetlands must be replaced by other areas that offer equal or greater public value, governed by a plan approved locally or by mining reclamation plans.
Priority Guidelines for Replacement: The bill outlines a series of steps that should be prioritized when impacting wetlands. These include avoiding impacts, minimizing impacts, rectifying any impacts by restoring wetlands, and finally, compensating by providing replacement wetlands.
Special Conditions: The bill details specific conditions for wetland replacement:
- For agricultural lands, a 1:1 replacement ratio is specified.
- For non-agricultural lands, a 2:1 replacement ratio is generally applied.
- Projects associated with public transportation that only expand traffic capacity must buy credits for wetland replacement.
Exemptions and Special Cases: It provides numerous specific circumstances where these general rules might be adjusted or where additional requirements are placed, such as requiring local government approval or additional public notification for certain mining-related actions.
Technical and Public Oversight: The bill establishes mechanisms for public and technical oversight on decisions regarding wetland impacts and replacements. This includes a requirement for a Technical Evaluation Panel to review and approve plans based on the wetland’s ecological function.
Enforcement and Local Involvement: Local government units are empowered under the bill to enforce deed restrictions and ensure compliance with the stipulated replacement ratios and standards. Additionally, they can request reclassification of wetlands based on conservation needs.

In summary, S.F. No. 992 aims to refine Minnesota's approach to managing wetland resources, specifying stricter replacement criteria and emphasizing local and technical oversight to balance development needs with environmental conservation.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 05, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 05, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Incorporates new wetland replacement principles and criteria specific to landscape ecology and stormwater management."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Removes previous provisions specific to agricultural land replacement requirements."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies wetland replacement ratios under section 103G.222.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the sequence for priority of wetland impact mitigation."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.222"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows wetland replacement plans to include newly created circumstances under certain defined criteria."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Eliminates some previous exceptions related to transportation project credits."
      ],
      "summary": "Modifies provisions regarding approval and eligibility of wetland replacement credits under section 103G.2242.",
      "modified": [
        "Enhancements to conditions for approving wetland restoration and their eligibility for replacement credit."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.2242"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes new classifications for wetland functions and values based on a technical evaluation panel's methodology."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Removes outdated methodologies for assessing wetland values."
      ],
      "summary": "Amends comprehensive wetland protection and management plan contents under section 103G.2243.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates wetland replacement standards, including varying replacement ratios for different ecological criteria."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.2243"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies roles for surplus wetland credit allocation and notices to counties."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References to mining reclamation plans under permit section 93.481.",
      "modified": [
        "Ensures mining reclamation plans adhere to updated wetland mitigation principles."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "93.481"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cites section 103B.3355 for determining public value in accordance with wetland protection.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies methods of assessment using board-approved methodologies."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103B.3355"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Applies sections 103G.221 to 103G.2372 to excavation activities in wetlands.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "103G.221 to 103G.2372"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "General application of section 103G.2364 along with others for state departments and agencies.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "103G.2364"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Section 103G.2365 applied alongside other sections to ensure comprehensive protection under revised rules.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "103G.2365"
  }
]