1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to energy; mandating inclusion of strategic tree planting as eligible for 
1.3 	direct expenditures as energy conservation improvement. 
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. ENERGY CONSERVATION PILOT PROJECT; STRATEGIC TREE 
1.6 	PLANTING.
 1.7 	(a) From July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009, the Public Utilities Commission and 
1.8 	the commissioner of commerce shall treat the strategic planting of trees and shrubs on 
1.9 	property of a retail customer provided electric or gas service by a public utility, municipal 
1.10 	utility, or cooperative electric association subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 216B.241, 
1.11 	as promoting energy efficiency and eligible for direct expenditures and expense recovery 
1.12 	under that statute as an energy conservation improvement.
1.13 	(b) For purposes of this section, "strategic" refers to the placement of trees and 
1.14 	shrubs to obtain the most advantageous impact on energy conservation for a retail 
1.15 	customer facility, including but not limited to shelter belt protection and heat dissipation.

1.16 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2008.