HF 2052

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/09/2021 11:43am

A bill for an act
relating to energy; modifying solar generating system siting prohibitions with
respect to prime farmland; requiring a report; requiring rulemaking.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin SITING SOLAR ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEMS ON PRIME
FARMLAND.
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new text begin (a) The Public Utilities Commission must amend Minnesota Rules, section 7850.4400,
subpart 4, to allow the siting of a solar energy generating system on prime farmland that
meets any of the following conditions:
new text end

new text begin (1) the site has been identified as a sensitive groundwater area by the Department of
Natural Resources under Minnesota Statutes, section 103H.101;
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new text begin (2) the owner of the solar energy generating system has entered into an agreement with
the Board of Soil and Water Resources committing the owner to (i) comply with Minnesota
Statutes, section 216B.1642, by establishing on the site perennial vegetation and foraging
habitat beneficial to game birds, songbirds, and pollinators, and (ii) report to the board every
three years on progress made toward establishing beneficial habitat; or
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new text begin (3) the solar energy generating system is colocated with and does not disrupt the operation
of agricultural uses, including but not limited to grazing and harvesting forage.
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new text begin (b) The commission must comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 14.389, in adopting
rules under this section.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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