<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>energy programs.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.1.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>    Section 1. <b>FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDING; GOAL OF ENERGY </b><br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var><b>PROGRAMS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Definitions.</b> For the purposes of articles 1 to 5, the following terms <br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>have the meaning given them.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>(a) "Act" means the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of commerce.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>(c) "Stimulus funding" or "funding" means funding provided to the state under <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>the act for:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>(1) energy efficiency and conservation block grants authorized under subtitle E of <br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>title V of the federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, United States Code, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>title 42, section 17151 et seq.;<br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>(2) the Weatherization Assistance Program authorized under part A of title IV of the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>federal Energy Conservation and Production Act, United States Code, title 42, section <br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>6861, et seq.; and<br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>(3) the State Energy Program authorized under part D of title III of the federal <br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>Energy Policy and Conservation Act, United States Code, title 42, section 6321, et seq.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Stimulus funding allocation and use goals.</b> To the extent allowed by <br/>
<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>federal law and regulation and consistent with the purposes and principles of the act, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>stimulus funding must be allocated and expended under articles 2 to 4 for activities that <br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>best achieve the following goals:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>(1) job retention and creation;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>(2) improved energy efficiency and increased renewable energy production capacity;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>(3) coordination with and leveraging of other resources to increase the total benefits <br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>derived from stimulus funding;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>(4) timely implementation of funded activities;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>(5) long-term sustainability of benefits derived from stimulus funds;<br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>(6) geographic distribution across the state; <br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>(7) compliance with the disadvantaged business enterprise requirements in <br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.16; and<br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>(8) ensuring that projects are cost-effective and maximize energy savings per dollar <br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>of stimulus funding expended.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.2.0"></a><a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>    Sec. 2. <b>LEGISLATIVE REVIEW.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>The Office of Energy Security shall, prior to expending any stimulus funds, submit <br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives <br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>committees with primary jurisdiction over energy policy and finance the criteria it <br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>proposes to use to rank the programs in articles 1 to 5 in order to allocate stimulus funding <br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>among the programs. Comments on the proposed criteria must be submitted to the Office <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>of Energy Security within ten working days of receipt of the criteria. The Office of Energy <br/>
<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>Security shall consider the comments before establishing the final allocation criteria, and <br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>shall submit a report on the amount of stimulus funds allocated to each of the programs <br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>under articles 1 to 5 the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of <br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>representatives committees with primary jurisdiction over energy policy and finance <br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>within ten working days of establishing the stimulus funding allocations.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.2.1.0"></a><a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>    Section 1. <b>WEATHERIZATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Allocation of funds.</b> All stimulus funds for weatherization must be <br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>allocated by the director of the Office of Energy Security, consistent with federal allocation <br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>requirements and state allocation formulas in the state weatherization plan. Existing <br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>providers of weatherization services must be fully utilized, consistent with effective <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>program delivery, before additional providers of weatherization services are added.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Rental units.</b>  Programs that include rental units must be developed, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>including developing procedures to increase low-income rental unit participation in <br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>programs. Priority must be given to serving the largest number of new weatherization <br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>clients consistent with federal eligibility requirements.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Background check.</b> Any person offering employment to an individual <br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>to conduct weatherization activities under this section shall request a criminal history <br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>background check from the superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on that <br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>individual. In order for an individual to be eligible for employment, the individual must <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>provide an executed criminal history consent form and a money order or check payable to <br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in an amount equal to the actual cost to the Bureau <br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>of Criminal Apprehension of conducting the background check. The superintendent of <br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension shall conduct the background check by retrieving <br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>criminal history data maintained in the criminal justice information system computers.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Employment prohibited.</b> An individual convicted of a violent crime, as <br/>
<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 611A.08, subdivision 6, or a crime against property <br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>may not be hired to conduct weatherization activities under this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.2.0"></a><a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>    Sec. 2. <b>LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDING </b><br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var><b>RENOVATIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>The Office of Energy Security must coordinate the use of stimulus funds with the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>local public building enhanced energy-efficiency program under Minnesota Statutes, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>section 216C.43. The Office of Energy Security shall prioritize lighting upgrades, energy <br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>recommissioning, and other cost-effective energy projects that are ready for immediate <br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>implementation. Stimulus funds may be used for, but are not limited to, grants for a portion <br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>of costs incurred by local governments to implement energy efficiency improvements <br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>under the local public building enhanced energy-efficiency program.  The Office of Energy <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>Security may require a local government, as a condition of receiving a grant, to commit to <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>implement future activities, including, but not limited to, staff training, that are designed <br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>to create additional energy or operating savings to the local government.  The Office of <br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>Energy Security shall coordinate with the Department of Education to prioritize school <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>district projects for funding under this section, consistent with the principles of statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>geographic distribution of projects, optimized energy savings, and an improved learning <br/>
<a id="pl.3.35"></a><var>3.35</var>environment for schoolchildren.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.3.0"></a><a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>    Sec. 3. <b>STATE GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>The Department of Administration shall develop a plan and procedures to select, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>fund, and implement projects using stimulus funds. The plan and procedures shall <br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>prioritize lighting upgrades, energy-efficient windows, energy recommissioning, and other <br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>cost-effective energy projects that are ready for immediate implementation. Funds may be <br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>used for, but are not limited to, grants for a portion of costs incurred by state agencies in <br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>implementing energy efficiency improvements.  The Department of Administration may <br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>require a state agency, as a condition of receiving stimulus funds, to commit to implement <br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>future activities, including, but not limited to, staff training, that are designed to create <br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>additional energy or operating savings to the state agency.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.4.0"></a><a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>    Sec. 4. <b>RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>The Office of Energy Security shall coordinate with the Minnesota Housing Finance <br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>Agency to use stimulus funds in conjunction with the Minnesota Housing Finance <br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>Agency's existing financing programs to improve energy efficiency in dwellings, including <br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>energy efficient windows.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.5.0"></a><a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>    Sec. 5. <b>TRAINING AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>(a) The Department of Employment and Economic Development, in consultation <br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>with the Office of Energy Security and the Office of Higher Education, shall develop a <br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>plan and procedures to:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>(1) allocate stimulus funds to training programs to train energy professionals needed <br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>to implement the energy programs described in sections 1 to 4, including but not limited to <br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>energy auditors, energy managers, and building operators;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>(2) coordinate, oversee, and monitor the training and certification of energy <br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>professionals; and<br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>(3) allocate stimulus funding for the purposes of clauses (1) and (2) and to training <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>providers.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>(b) Training strategies must be designed to meet the wide range of facilities <br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>managers and building sizes and types, and must protect the occupational health and safety <br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>of workers employed on these energy projects. Technical skills training must include <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>insulation, air sealing, and mechanical work.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>(c) The plan must include procedures to:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>(1) train individuals already employed in implementing energy programs;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>(2) recruit individuals to be trained to perform work in energy projects using <br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>stimulus funding who are unemployed, especially targeting communities experiencing <br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>disproportionately high rates of unemployment, including, but not limited to, low-income, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>youth, rural, or tribal communities and individuals in construction trades and crafts;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>(3) ensure that the full capacity of current training providers is utilized, including, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>but not limited to, opportunities industrialization centers, skilled trades labor unions, tribal <br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>colleges or nonprofits working in tribal communities, community action partnerships, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>utility companies, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations with <br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>demonstrated expertise in energy efficiency; and<br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>(4) publicize job and contract opportunities through cost-effective dissemination <br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>via the mass media, including, but not limited to, public service announcements and <br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>radio advertisements.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.6.0"></a><a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>    Sec. 6. <b>ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY REPORTING.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>The director of the Office of Energy Security, after compiling information supplied <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>by the Departments of Administration, Education, and Employment and Economic <br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>Development, and the Office of Higher Education, shall report on the progress of the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>programs funded under articles 1 to 5 to the house of representatives and senate committees <br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>with jurisdiction over energy finance and workforce development policy by September 1, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>2009, January 15, 2010, April 1, 2010, and September 1, 2010. The report must include a <br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>complete accounting of all stimulus funds spent on the programs funded under articles 1 to <br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>5, to the extent allowable by state and federal law, including, but not limited to:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>(1) the specific projects funded, including the location, building owner, and project <br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>manager;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>(2) the number of jobs retained or created by each project;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>(3) the total calculated and actual energy savings for each project;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>(4) the remaining balances in each stimulus fund;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>(5) the nonstimulus funding leveraged by stimulus funds for each project;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>(6) the training courses provided, including the location and provider of courses <br/>
<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>offered, the funding source for each training course, and the total number of trainees; <br/>
<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>(7) compliance with prevailing wage, veterans, and disadvantaged business <br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>enterprise requirements; and<br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>(8) the effectiveness of the outreach and recruitment efforts among youth, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>low-income, and unemployed workers conducted under section 5, paragraph (a), clause <br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>(2).<br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.3.1.0"></a><a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>    Section 1. <b>RENEWABLE ENERGY GRANT PROGRAM.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>(a) The commissioner of commerce shall establish a program to award grants to <br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>energy projects that meet the following conditions:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>(1) the project qualifies as a community-based energy development (C-BED) project, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 216B.1612, subdivision 2, paragraph (g);<br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>(2) for wind projects, the project is located in an area where the measured wind <br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>resource is Class 4 or above;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>(3) the project begins commercial operation after July 1, 2009;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>(4) the project does not receive renewable energy payment incentives under <br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.41; and<br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>(5) the project meets any other conditions established under the American Recovery <br/>
<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5, for use of these funds.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>(b) The department shall develop an application form, application review procedures, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>criteria that projects must meet in order to be considered for a grant award, procedures <br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>and guidelines for project monitoring and evaluation, and other administrative procedures <br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>necessary to fully implement a grant program.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>(c) The maximum grant to a project is $500,000.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>(d) No more than two projects in a single county may receive a grant under this <br/>
<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>section.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>(e) No C-BED qualifying owner may financially participate in more than one project <br/>
<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>that receives a grant under this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>(f) Grant awards must be geographically dispersed throughout the state.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.2.0"></a><a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>    Sec. 2. <b>RENEWABLE ELECTRIC GENERATION FACILITY REBATES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>(a) The commissioner shall establish a program to award rebates to qualifying <br/>
<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>facilities that generate electricity from a renewable source and that:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>(1) begin operation after July 1, 2009; <br/>
<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>(2) meet all other conditions established under the act; and<br/>
<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>(3) provide electricity to:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>(i) a homeowner's primary residence; or<br/>
<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>(ii) a business with 20 or fewer full-time employees.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>(b) The commissioner shall develop an application form, application review <br/>
<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>procedures, criteria that projects must meet in order to be considered for a rebate, <br/>
<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>procedures and guidelines for project monitoring and evaluation, and other administrative <br/>
<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>procedures necessary to fully implement a rebate program.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>(c) The owner of a qualifying facility may apply to the commissioner for a rebate of <br/>
<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>the lesser of $2,500 or 35 percent of the cost of the electric generation facility, including <br/>
<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>installation costs.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>(d) The commissioner shall award rebates only from funds appropriated for that <br/>
<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>purpose and to the extent of those appropriations. Grants must be made to applicants in <br/>
<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>the order of the time of receipt of a complete application.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>(e) For purposes of this section:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>(1) "Qualifying facility" means an electric generation facility with a capacity of less <br/>
<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>than 40 kilowatts that generates electricity from a renewable energy source.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>(2) "Renewable energy source" means:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>(i) solar;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>(ii) wind;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>(iii) hydroelectric;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>(iv) hydrogen, provided that after January 1, 2010, the hydrogen must be generated <br/>
<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>from the resources listed in this clause; or<br/>
<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>(v) biomass, which includes, without limitation, landfill gas; an anaerobic digester <br/>
<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>system; and the predominantly organic components of wastewater effluent, sludge, or <br/>
<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>related by-products from publicly owned treatment works, but not including incineration <br/>
<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>of wastewater sludge to produce electricity.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>(3) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of commerce.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.3.0"></a><a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>    Sec. 3. <b>SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND </b><br/>
<a id="pl.7.34"></a><var>7.34</var><b>SCHOOLS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.7.35"></a><var>7.35</var>(a) The commissioner shall establish a program to award grants to:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>(1) local units of government to pay the costs of installing solar energy projects to <br/>
<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>generate energy used in public buildings; or<br/>
<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>(2) to school districts to pay the costs of installing solar energy projects to generate <br/>
<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>energy used in K-12 schools.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>(b) To be eligible to receive a grant, a project must:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>(1) begin operation after July 1, 2009; and<br/>
<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>(2) meet all other conditions established under the act.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>(c) The commissioner shall develop an application form, application review <br/>
<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>procedures, criteria that a project must meet in order to be considered for a grant award, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>procedures and guidelines for project monitoring and evaluation, and other administrative <br/>
<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>procedures necessary to fully implement a grant program.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>(d) In awarding grants, the commissioner must determine, at a minimum, the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>following:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>(1) that the physical condition of the building is sufficient to support the efficient <br/>
<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>operation of the solar energy project;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>(2) that there is no significant possibility that the building may close within ten <br/>
<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>years, which determination, for a school, must be based on enrollment projections; and<br/>
<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>(3) that the projected cumulative energy savings exceed the grant amount within 15 <br/>
<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>years for a qualifying solar thermal project, and within 20 years for a photovoltaic device.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>(e) In awarding grants, the commissioner must also consider:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>(1) the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the solar technology to be installed;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>(2) the extent to which the proposal effectively coordinates with the conservation <br/>
<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>and energy efficiency programs offered by the energy utilities serving the building in <br/>
<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>which the project is located, and with the public building enhanced energy efficiency <br/>
<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>program under section 216C.43, if applicable;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>(3) life cycle energy use reductions and greenhouse gas emissions reductions <br/>
<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>projected per dollar of installed cost of the project; and<br/>
<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>(4) the geographic distribution of grant recipients throughout the state.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>(f) For the purposes of this section:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>(1) "public building" means any publicly owned building, sports arena, or other <br/>
<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>facility of a county, city, or other local unit of government;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>(2)  "solar energy" means:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var>(i) a photovoltaic device, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.06, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.34"></a><var>8.34</var>subdivision 16; or<br/>
<a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>(ii) a qualifying thermal project, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section <br/>
<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>216B.2411, subdivision 2, that includes modifications made to a distribution system to <br/>
<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>distribute heating or cooling throughout a building; and<br/>
<a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>(3) "commissioner" means the commissioner of commerce.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.4.1.0"></a><a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>    Section 1. <b>ENERGY PROGRAMS IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL </b><br/>
<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var><b>BUILDINGS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>(a) The commissioner of commerce shall establish a program to award grants to <br/>
<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>commercial and industrial facilities for the purpose of:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>(1) installing energy-efficiency improvements or devices that use renewable energy <br/>
<a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>sources to generate electricity or to heat or cool a building; or <br/>
<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>(2) manufacturing renewable fuels in solid form from biomass for use in industrial <br/>
<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>boilers. <br/>
<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>(b) To be eligible to receive a grant, a project must:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>(1) begin commercial operation after July 1, 2009; and<br/>
<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>(2) meet all other conditions established under the act.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>(c) The commissioner shall develop an application form, application review <br/>
<a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>procedures, criteria that a project must meet in order to be considered for a grant award, <br/>
<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>procedures and guidelines for project monitoring and evaluation, and other administrative <br/>
<a id="pl.9.22"></a><var>9.22</var>procedures necessary to fully implement a grant program.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.23"></a><var>9.23</var>(d) For the purposes of this section, "renewable energy source" means:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var>(i) solar;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>(ii) wind;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>(iii) hydroelectric;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var>(iv) hydrogen, provided that after January 1, 2010, the hydrogen must be generated <br/>
<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>from the resources listed in this paragraph; or<br/>
<a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>(v) biomass, which includes, without limitation, rotating woody crops; landfill gas; <br/>
<a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>an anaerobic digester system; and the predominantly organic components of wastewater <br/>
<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var>effluent, sludge, or related by-products from publicly owned treatment works, but not <br/>
<a id="pl.9.32"></a><var>9.32</var>including incineration of wastewater sludge to produce electricity.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.33"></a><var>9.33</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.2.0"></a><a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>    Sec. 2. <b>ENERGY EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND DATA SYSTEMS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var>The Office of Energy Security shall establish programs to work with teachers and <br/>
<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var>other energy experts to include energy issues in K-12 curricula; develop training and <br/>
<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>certification programs for technicians to install and service wind and solar energy systems; <br/>
<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>and upgrade data systems to enable accurate tracking of energy savings resulting from the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>conservation improvement program and other state energy programs.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.3.0"></a><a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var>    Sec. 3. <b>ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>The Office of Energy Security shall establish a grant program to award grants to <br/>
<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>local units of government to enhance energy efficiency and reduce energy use. Energy <br/>
<a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>efficiency and conservation block grant funds may be used for grants for planning, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>consultant services, energy audits, implementing energy-efficient building codes and <br/>
<a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var>inspection services, energy efficiency renovations, street lighting, and the installation of <br/>
<a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>renewable energy devices deployed on public buildings.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.5.1.0"></a><a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var>    Section 1. <b>WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPROPRIATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>Of the funds available to the state of Minnesota from the federal stimulus funding for <br/>
<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var>the weatherization assistance program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment <br/>
<a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5, $131,937,411 is appropriated to the commissioner of <br/>
<a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>commerce. The funds must be administered consistent with the requirements in article 2, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var>section 1.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.2.0"></a><a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var>    Sec. 2. <b>ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK PROGRAM </b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var><b>APPROPRIATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>The funds available to the state of Minnesota from the federal stimulus funding <br/>
<a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program under the American <br/>
<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var>Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5, estimated to be $10,644,100, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var>are appropriated to the commissioner of commerce. The appropriation must be distributed <br/>
<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var>(1) 61.5 percent, estimated to be $6,546,121, is for energy efficiency grants to local <br/>
<a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>government in article 4, section 3; and<br/>
<a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>(2) 38.5 percent, estimated to be $4,097,979, is for local government and school <br/>
<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>district buildings consistent with the requirements in article 2, section 2.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.3.0"></a><a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>    Sec. 3. <b>STATE ENERGY PROGRAM APPROPRIATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>Of the funds available to the state of Minnesota from the federal stimulus funding <br/>
<a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>for the State Energy Program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of <br/>
<a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>2009, Public Law 111-5, $54,172,000 is appropriated to the commissioner of commerce. <br/>
<a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var>Of this amount:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>(1) $10,650,000 is for local government and school district buildings consistent <br/>
<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>with the requirements in article 2, section 2;<br/>
<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>(2) $8,000,000 is for state government buildings consistent with the requirements in <br/>
<a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var>article 2, section 3;<br/>
<a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>(3) $12,000,000 is for the residential energy financing programs in article 2, section <br/>
<a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>4;<br/>
<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>(4) $12,000,000 is for renewable energy programs, including, but not limited to, the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>programs specified in article 3;<br/>
<a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var>(5) $5,000,000 is for grants to commercial and industrial facilities for energy <br/>
<a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>efficiency and renewable energy projects in article 4, section 1;<br/>
<a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>(6) $5,022,000 is for energy education, training, and information and data systems in <br/>
<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>article 4, section 2; and<br/>
<a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>(7) $1,500,000 is for a grant to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges <br/>
<a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>and Universities for the International Renewable Energy Technology Institute (IRETI) to <br/>
<a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var>be located at Minnesota State University, Mankato, as a public and private partnership to <br/>
<a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>support applied research in renewable energy and energy efficiency to aid in the transfer of <br/>
<a id="pl.11.25"></a><var>11.25</var>technology from Sweden to Minnesota and to support technology commercialization from <br/>
<a id="pl.11.26"></a><var>11.26</var>companies located in Minnesota and throughout the world.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.27"></a><var>11.27</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>