HF 4269

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 02/26/2024 02:21pm

A bill for an act
relating to water; appropriating money for a 50-year clean water plan.

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

Section 1. new text begin 50-YEAR CLEAN WATER PLAN; APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin (a) $14,600,000 in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the general fund to the Board
of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the University of Minnesota Water Council
to engage with partners and develop a 50-year clean water plan, according to the scope of
work developed under Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 9, section 12, that:
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new text begin (1) provides a literature-based assessment of the current status and trends regarding the
quality and quantity of Minnesota waters, both surface and subsurface;
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new text begin (2) identifies gaps in data or understanding and provides recommended steps to address
the gaps;
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new text begin (3) identifies existing and potential future threats to Minnesota's waters; and
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new text begin (4) proposes a road map of scenarios and policy recommendations designed to proactively
protect, remediate, and conserve clean water for human use and biodiversity for the next
50 years.
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new text begin (b) The Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota is requested to submit to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees
and divisions with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources:
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new text begin (1) by June 30, 2025, a status report that includes:
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new text begin (i) a directory of existing data, databases, and decision support tools; and
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new text begin (ii) an assessment of gaps in data and understanding;
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new text begin (2) by June 30, 2026, a status report that includes:
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new text begin (i) a list of steps to take to address gaps in data and understanding; and
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new text begin (ii) a set of policy scenarios and forecasting inputs;
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new text begin (3) by June 30, 2027, a status report that includes:
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new text begin (i) policy scenario and forecasting results for existing or potential threats; and
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new text begin (ii) recommendations for tools and policy recommendations to address existing or
potential threats;
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new text begin (4) by June 30, 2028, a status report that includes an evaluation of existing policies and
funding mechanisms; and
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new text begin (5) by June 30, 2029, a final report that includes a summary of activities and findings
funded with this appropriation and final policy and programmatic recommendations.
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new text begin (c) This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2029.
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