<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>environmental review requirements; appropriating money;amending Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>Statutes 2010, sections 14.05, by adding a subdivision; 41A.10, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>1; 84.027, by adding a subdivision; 115.03, by adding a subdivision; 116.07, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>subdivision 4a; 116J.035, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2011 <br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>Supplement, sections 84.027, subdivision 14a; 116.03, subdivision 2b; 116D.04, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>subdivision 2a.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</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.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84.027, subdivision 14a, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>    Subd. 14a. <b>Permitting efficiency.</b> (a) It is the goal of the state that environmental <br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>and resource management permits be issued or denied within 150 days of the submission <br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>of a substantially completed permit application. The commissioner of natural resources <br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>shall establish management systems designed to achieve the goal.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>(b) The commissioner shall prepare semiannual permitting efficiency reports that <br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>include statistics on meeting the goal in paragraph (a). The reports are due February 1 <br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>and August 1 each year. For permit applications that have not met the goal, the report <br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>must state the reasons for not meeting the goal, steps that will be taken to complete action <br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>on the application, and the expected timeline. In stating the reasons for not meeting the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>goal, the commissioner shall separately identify delays caused by the responsiveness of <br/>
<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>the proposer, lack of staff, scientific or technical disagreements, or the level of public <br/>
<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>engagement. The report must specify the number of days from initial submission of the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>application to the day of determination that the application is complete. The report for <br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>August 1 each year must aggregate the data for the year and assess whether program <br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>or system changes are necessary to achieve the goal. The report must be posted on the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>department's Web site and submitted to the governor and the chairs and ranking minority <br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>members of the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over <br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>natural resources policy and finance.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>(c) The commissioner shall allow electronic submission of environmental review <br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>and permit documents to the department.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>(d) Beginning July 1, 2011, within 30 business days of application for a permit <br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>subject to paragraph (a), the commissioner of natural resources shall notify the project <br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>proposer, in writing, of whether or not the permit application is complete enough for <br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>processing. If the permit is incomplete, the commissioner must identify where whether <br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>the application is complete or incomplete. If the commissioner determines that an <br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>application is incomplete, the notice to the applicant must enumerate all deficiencies exist, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>citing specific provisions of the applicable rules and statutes, and advise the applicant <br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>on how they the deficiencies can be remedied. A resubmittal of the application begins <br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>a new 30-day review period. If the commissioner fails to notify the project proposer <br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>of completeness within 30 business days, the application is deemed to be substantially <br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>complete and subject to the 150-day permitting review period in paragraph (a) from the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>date it was submitted. This paragraph does not apply to an application for a permit that is <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>subject to a grant or loan agreement under chapter 446A.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.2.0"></a><a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84.027, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>    Subd. 14b. <b>Irrevocability or suspensions of permits.</b> If, by July 1 of an <br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>odd-numbered year, a biennial appropriation law has not been enacted to fund air, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>water, and land programs at the department, existing permits shall not be terminated or <br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>suspended, provided the terms and conditions of the permit and local, state, and federal <br/>
<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>laws and rules are met, regardless of the state's capability to receive, review, or process <br/>
<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>fees, reports, or other filings.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to <br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>    Subd. 8b. <b>Permit duration; state disposal system permits; animal feedlots.</b> State <br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>disposal system permits that are issued without a national pollutant discharge elimination <br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>system permit to animal feedlots shall be issued for a term of ten years and are valid unless <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>the animal feedlot is not in compliance with the terms of the permit.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.4.0"></a><a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 116.03, subdivision 2b, is <br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>    Subd. 2b. <b>Permitting efficiency.</b> (a) It is the goal of the state that environmental and <br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>resource management permits be issued or denied within 150 days of the submission of a <br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>substantially completed permit application. The commissioner of the Pollution Control <br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>Agency shall establish management systems designed to achieve the goal.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>(b) The commissioner shall prepare semiannual permitting efficiency reports that <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>include statistics on meeting the goal in paragraph (a). The reports are due February 1 <br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>and August 1 each year. For permit applications that have not met the goal, the report <br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>must state the reasons for not meeting the goal, steps that will be taken to complete action <br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>on the application, and the expected timeline. In stating the reasons for not meeting the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>goal, the commissioner shall separately identify delays caused by the responsiveness of <br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>the proposer, lack of staff, scientific or technical disagreements, or the level of public <br/>
<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>engagement. The report must specify the number of days from initial submission of the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>application to the day of determination that the application is complete. The report for <br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>August 1 each year must aggregate the data for the year and assess whether program <br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>or system changes are necessary to achieve the goal. The report must be posted on the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>agency's Web site and submitted to the governor and the chairs and ranking minority <br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>members of the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over <br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>environment policy and finance.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>(c) The commissioner shall allow electronic submission of environmental review <br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>and permit documents to the agency.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>(d) Beginning July 1, 2011, within 30 business days of application for a permit <br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>subject to paragraph (a), the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency shall notify <br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>the project proposer, in writing, of whether or not the permit application is complete <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>enough for processing. If the permit is incomplete, the commissioner must identify where <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>whether the application is complete or incomplete. If the commissioner determines that an <br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>application is incomplete, the notice to the applicant must enumerate all deficiencies exist, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>citing specific provisions of the applicable rules and statutes, and advise the applicant <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>on how they the deficiencies can be remedied. A resubmittal of the application begins <br/>
<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>a new 30-day review period. If the commissioner fails to notify the project proposer <br/>
<a id="pl.3.35"></a><var>3.35</var>of completeness within 30 business days, the application is deemed to be substantially <br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>complete and subject to the 150-day permitting review period in paragraph (a) from the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>date it was submitted. This paragraph does not apply to an application for a permit that is <br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>subject to a grant or loan agreement under chapter 446A.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>(e) For purposes of this subdivision, "permit professional" means an individual not <br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>employed by the Pollution Control Agency who:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>(1) has a professional engineer license issued by the state of Minnesota; <br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>(2) has at least ten years of experience in the subject area of the permit; and<br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>(3) abides by the duty of candor applicable to employees of the Pollution Control <br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>Agency under agency rules and complies with all applicable requirements for engineers <br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>under chapter 326.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>(f) Upon the agency's request, an applicant relying on a permit professional must <br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>participate in a meeting with the agency before submitting an application:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>(1) during the preapplication meeting, the applicant must submit at least the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>following:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>(i) project description, including, but not limited to, scope of work, primary <br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>emissions points, discharge outfalls, and water intake points;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>(ii) location of the project, including county, municipality, and location on the site;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>(iii) business schedule for project completion; and<br/>
<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>(iv) other information requested by the agency at least two weeks prior to the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>scheduled meeting; and<br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>    (2) during the preapplication meeting, the agency shall provide for the applicant at <br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>least the following:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>(i) an overview of the permit review program;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>(ii) a determination of which specific application or applications will be necessary <br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>to complete the project;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>(iii) a statement notifying the applicant if the specific permit being sought requires a <br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>mandatory public hearing or comment period;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>(iv) a review of the timetable established in the permit review program for the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>specific permit being sought; and<br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>(v) a determination of what information must be included in the application, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>including a description of any required modeling or testing.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>(g) The applicant may select a permit professional to undertake the preparation <br/>
<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>of the permit application and draft permit.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>(h) The agency shall, within five business days of receipt of an application, notify the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.35"></a><var>4.35</var>applicant and submitting permit professional that the application is complete or is denied, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.36"></a><var>4.36</var>specifying the deficiencies of the application.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>(i) Upon receipt of notice that the application is complete, the permit professional <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>shall submit to the agency a timetable for submitting a draft permit. The permit <br/>
<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>professional shall submit a draft permit on or before the date provided in the timetable. <br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>Within 60 days after the close of the public comment period and public hearing, the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>commissioner shall notify the applicant whether the permit is approved.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>(j) Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>(1) any requirement of law that is necessary to retain federal delegation to or <br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>assumption by the state; or<br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>(2) the authority to implement a federal law or program.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>(k) The permit application and draft permit shall identify or include as an appendix <br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>all studies and other sources of information used to substantiate the analysis contained in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>the permit application and draft period. The commissioner shall request additional studies, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>if needed, and the project proposer shall submit all additional studies and information <br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>necessary for the commissioner to perform the commissioner's responsibility to review, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>modify, and determine the completeness of the application and approve the draft permit.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>(l) If, by July 1 of an odd-numbered year, a biennial appropriation law has not been <br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>enacted to fund air, water, and land programs at the agency, existing permits shall not be <br/>
<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>terminated or suspended, provided the terms and conditions of the permit and local, state, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>and federal laws and rules are met, regardless of the state's capability to receive, review, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>or process fees, reports, or other filings.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.5.0"></a><a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.07, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>    Subd. 4a. <b>Permits.</b> (a) The Pollution Control Agency may issue, continue in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>effect or deny permits, under such conditions as it may prescribe for the prevention of <br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>pollution, for the emission of air contaminants, or for the installation or operation of <br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>any emission facility, air contaminant treatment facility, treatment facility, potential air <br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>contaminant storage facility, or storage facility, or any part thereof, or for the sources <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>or emissions of noise pollution.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>    The Pollution Control Agency may also issue, continue in effect or deny permits, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>under such conditions as it may prescribe for the prevention of pollution, for the storage, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>collection, transportation, processing, or disposal of waste, or for the installation or <br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>operation of any system or facility, or any part thereof, related to the storage, collection, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>transportation, processing, or disposal of waste.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>    The agency may not issue a permit to a facility without analyzing and considering <br/>
<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>the cumulative levels and effects of past and current environmental pollution from all <br/>
<a id="pl.5.35"></a><var>5.35</var>sources on the environment and residents of the geographic area within which the facility's <br/>
<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>emissions are likely to be deposited, provided that the facility is located in a community in <br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>a city of the first class in Hennepin County that meets all of the following conditions:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>    (1) is within a half mile of a site designated by the federal government as an EPA <br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>superfund site due to residential arsenic contamination;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>    (2) a majority of the population are low-income persons of color and American <br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>Indians;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>    (3) a disproportionate percent of the children have childhood lead poisoning, asthma, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>or other environmentally related health problems;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>    (4) is located in a city that has experienced numerous air quality alert days of <br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>dangerous air quality for sensitive populations between February 2007 and February <br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>2008; and<br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>    (5) is located near the junctions of several heavily trafficked state and county <br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>highways and two one-way streets which carry both truck and auto traffic.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>    The Pollution Control Agency may revoke or modify any permit issued under this <br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>subdivision and section 
         <statute_ref>116.081</statute_ref> whenever it is necessary, in the opinion of the agency, to <br/>
<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>prevent or abate pollution.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>    (b) The Pollution Control Agency has the authority for approval over the siting, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>expansion, or operation of a solid waste facility with regard to environmental issues. <br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>However, the agency's issuance of a permit does not release the permittee from any <br/>
<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>liability, penalty, or duty imposed by any applicable county ordinances. Nothing in this <br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>chapter precludes, or shall be construed to preclude, a county from enforcing land use <br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>controls, regulations, and ordinances existing at the time of the permit application and <br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>adopted pursuant to sections 
         <statute_ref>366.10</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>366.181</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>394.21</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>394.37</statute_ref>, or 
         <statute_ref>462.351</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>462.365</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>with regard to the siting, expansion, or operation of a solid waste facility.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>(c) Except as prohibited by federal law, a person may commence construction, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>reconstruction, replacement, or modification of any facility prior to the issuance of a <br/>
<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>construction permit by the agency.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.6.0"></a><a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116J.035, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Environmental permits coordinator.</b> (a) The commissioner of <br/>
<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>employment and economic development shall, through the multiagency collaboration <br/>
<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>called "Minnesota Business First Stop" ensure the coordination, implementation, and <br/>
<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>administration of state and federal permits, including:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>(1) establishing a mechanism in state government that will coordinate administrative <br/>
<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>decision-making procedures and related quasijudicial and judicial review pertaining to <br/>
<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>permits related to the state's air, land, and water resources;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>(2) providing coordination and understanding between federal, state, and local <br/>
<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>governmental units in the administration of the various programs relating to air, water, <br/>
<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>and land resources;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>(3) identifying all existing federal, state, and local permits and other approvals; <br/>
<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>compliance schedules; or other programs that pertain to the use of natural resources and <br/>
<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>protection of the environment; and<br/>
<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>(4) recommending legislative or administrative modifications to existing permit <br/>
<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>programs to increase their efficiency and utility.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>(b) A person proposing a project may apply to the environmental permits coordinator <br/>
<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>for assistance in obtaining necessary state permits and other approvals. Upon request, the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>environmental permits coordinator shall:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>(1) provide a list of all federal, state, and local permits and other required approvals <br/>
<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>for the project;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>(2) provide a plan that will coordinate federal, state, and local administrative <br/>
<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>decision-making practices, including monitoring, analysis and reporting, public comments <br/>
<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>and hearings, and issuances of permits and approvals;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>(3) provide a timeline for the issuance of all federal, state, and local permits and <br/>
<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>other approvals required for the project;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>(4) coordinate the execution of any memorandum of understanding between the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>person proposing a project and any federal, state, or local agency;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>(5) coordinate all federal, state, or local public comment periods and hearings; and<br/>
<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>(6) provide other assistance requested to facilitate final approval and issuance of all <br/>
<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>federal, state, and local permits and other approvals required for the project.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>(c) As necessary, the environmental permits coordinator shall negotiate a schedule <br/>
<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>to assess the project proposer for reasonable costs that any state agency incurs in <br/>
<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>coordinating the implementation and administration of state permits, and the proposer <br/>
<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>shall pay the assessed costs to the environmental permits coordinator. Money received <br/>
<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>by the environmental permits coordinator must be credited to an account in the special <br/>
<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>revenue fund and is appropriated to the commissioner to cover the assessed costs incurred.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>(d) The coordination of implementation and administration of state permits is not <br/>
<a id="pl.7.34"></a><var>7.34</var>governmental action under section 116D.04.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.35"></a><var>7.35</var>(e) For the purposes of this subdivision:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.36"></a><var>7.36</var>(1) "agency" means:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>(i) a state department, commission, board, or other agency of the state, however <br/>
<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>titled; or<br/>
<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>(ii) a local governmental unit or instrumentality, only when that unit or <br/>
<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>instrumentality is acting within existing legal authority to grant or deny a permit that <br/>
<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>otherwise would be granted or denied by a state agency;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>(2) "local governmental unit" means a county, city, town, or special district with <br/>
<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>legal authority to issue a permit;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>(3) "permit" means a permit, certificate, certification, approval, compliance schedule, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>or other similar document pertaining to a regulatory or management program related to <br/>
<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>the protection, conservation, or use of or interference with the natural resources of land, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>air, or water that must be obtained from a state agency before constructing or operating a <br/>
<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>project in the state;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>(4) "person" means an individual, an association or partnership, or a cooperative, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>municipal, public, or private corporation, including but not limited to a state agency <br/>
<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>and a county; and<br/>
<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>(5) "project" means a new activity or an expansion of or addition to an existing <br/>
<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>activity, which is fixed in location and for which permits are required from an agency <br/>
<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>prior to construction or operation, including but not limited to industrial and commercial <br/>
<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>operations and developments.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.2.1.0"></a><a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 14.05, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>    Subd. 5a. <b>Review of environmental assessment worksheets and environmental </b><br/>
<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var><b>impact statements.</b> By December 1, 2012, and every five years thereafter, the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>Environmental Quality Board, Pollution Control Agency, Department of Natural <br/>
<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>Resources, and Department of Transportation, after consultation with political <br/>
<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>subdivisions, shall submit to the governor and the chairs of the house of representatives <br/>
<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>and senate committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources a list <br/>
<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>of mandatory environmental assessment worksheet or mandatory environmental impact <br/>
<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>statement categories for which the agency or a political subdivision is designated as the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>responsible government unit, and for each worksheet or statement category, a document <br/>
<a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var>including:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.34"></a><var>8.34</var>(1) intended outcomes of each worksheet or statement within each category;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.35"></a><var>8.35</var>(2) the cost to state and local government and the private sector; and<br/>
<a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>(3) an explanation of what information provided on the mandatory worksheet or <br/>
<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>statement within each category is not included in or provided for in an existing permit or <br/>
<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>other federal, state, or local law.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.2.0"></a><a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 41A.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Definitions.</b> For the purposes of this section and section 
         <statute_ref>103F.518</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings given them.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>    (a) "Cellulosic biofuel" means transportation fuel derived from cellulosic materials.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>    (b) "Cellulosic material" means an agricultural or wood feedstock primarily <br/>
<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var>comprised of cellulose, hemicellulose, or lignin or a combination of those ingredients <br/>
<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>grown on agricultural lands or harvested timber lands.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>    (c) "Agricultural land" means land used for horticultural, row, close grown, pasture, <br/>
<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>and hayland crops; growing nursery stocks; animal feedlots; farm yards; associated <br/>
<a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>building sites; and public and private drainage systems and field roads located on any of <br/>
<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>that land.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>    (d) "Cellulosic biofuel facility" means a facility at which cellulosic biofuel is <br/>
<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>produced.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>    (e) "Perennial crops" means agriculturally produced plants that have a life cycle of at <br/>
<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>least three years at the location where the plants are being cultivated.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>    (f) "Perennial cropping system" means an agricultural production system that <br/>
<a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>utilizes a perennial crop.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>    (g) "Native species" means a plant species which was present in a defined area of <br/>
<a id="pl.9.22"></a><var>9.22</var>Minnesota prior to European settlement (circa 1850). A defined area may be an ecological <br/>
<a id="pl.9.23"></a><var>9.23</var>classification province. Wild-type varieties therefore are regional or local ecotypes that <br/>
<a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var>have not undergone a selection process.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>    (h) "Diverse native prairie" means a prairie planted from a mix of local Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>native prairie species. A selection from all available native prairie species may be made so <br/>
<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var>as to match species appropriate to local site conditions.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>    (i) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of agriculture.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.3.0"></a><a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 116D.04, subdivision 2a, is <br/>
<a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var>    Subd. 2a. <b>When prepared.</b> Where there is potential for significant environmental <br/>
<a id="pl.9.32"></a><var>9.32</var>effects resulting from any major governmental action, the action shall be preceded by a <br/>
<a id="pl.9.33"></a><var>9.33</var>detailed environmental impact statement prepared by the responsible governmental unit. <br/>
<a id="pl.9.34"></a><var>9.34</var>The environmental impact statement shall be an analytical rather than an encyclopedic <br/>
<a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>document which describes the proposed action in detail, analyzes its significant <br/>
<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var>environmental impacts, discusses appropriate alternatives to the proposed action and <br/>
<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var>their impacts, and explores methods by which adverse environmental impacts of an <br/>
<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>action could be mitigated. The environmental impact statement shall also analyze those <br/>
<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>economic, employment and sociological effects that cannot be avoided should the action <br/>
<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>be implemented. To ensure its use in the decision-making process, the environmental <br/>
<a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var>impact statement shall be prepared as early as practical in the formulation of an action. <br/>
<a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var>No mandatory environmental impact statement may be required for an ethanol plant, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>as defined in section 
<statute_ref>41A.09, subdivision 2a</statute_ref>, paragraph (b), that produces less than <br/>
<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>125,000,000 gallons of ethanol annually and is located outside of the seven-county <br/>
<a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>metropolitan area.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>    (a) The board shall by rule establish categories of actions for which environmental <br/>
<a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var>impact statements and for which environmental assessment worksheets shall be prepared <br/>
<a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>as well as categories of actions for which no environmental review is required under this <br/>
<a id="pl.10.15"></a><var>10.15</var>section. A mandatory environmental assessment worksheet shall not be required for the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.16"></a><var>10.16</var>expansion of an ethanol plant, as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>41A.09, subdivision 2a</statute_ref>, paragraph <br/>
<a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var>(b), or the conversion of an ethanol plant to a biobutanol facility or the expansion of a <br/>
<a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>biobutanol facility as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>41A.105, subdivision 1a</statute_ref>, based on the capacity <br/>
<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var>of the expanded or converted facility to produce alcohol fuel, but must be required if <br/>
<a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>the ethanol plant meets or exceeds thresholds of other categories of actions for which <br/>
<a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>environmental assessment worksheets must be prepared. The responsible governmental <br/>
<a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var>unit for an ethanol plant project for which an environmental assessment worksheet is <br/>
<a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var>prepared shall be the state agency with the greatest responsibility for supervising or <br/>
<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var>approving the project as a whole. A mandatory environmental impact statement shall <br/>
<a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>not be required for a facility or plant located outside the seven-county metropolitan <br/>
<a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>area that produces less than 125,000,000 gallons of ethanol, biobutanol, or cellulosic <br/>
<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var>biofuel annually, if the facility or plant is: an ethanol plant, as defined in section 41A.09, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var>subdivision 2a, paragraph (b); a biobutanol facility, as defined in section 41A.105, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>subdivision 1a, clause (1); or a cellulosic biofuel facility as defined in section 41A.10, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var>subdivision 1, paragraph (d).<br/>
<a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>    (b) The responsible governmental unit shall promptly publish notice of the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.32"></a><var>10.32</var>completion of an environmental assessment worksheet in a manner to be determined by <br/>
<a id="pl.10.33"></a><var>10.33</var>the board and shall provide copies of the environmental assessment worksheet to the board <br/>
<a id="pl.10.34"></a><var>10.34</var>and its member agencies. Comments on the need for an environmental impact statement <br/>
<a id="pl.10.35"></a><var>10.35</var>may be submitted to the responsible governmental unit during a 30-day period following <br/>
<a id="pl.10.36"></a><var>10.36</var>publication of the notice that an environmental assessment worksheet has been completed. <br/>
<a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>The responsible governmental unit's decision on the need for an environmental impact <br/>
<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>statement shall be based on the environmental assessment worksheet and the comments <br/>
<a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var>received during the comment period, and shall be made within 15 days after the close of <br/>
<a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>the comment period. The board's chair may extend the 15-day period by not more than 15 <br/>
<a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>additional days upon the request of the responsible governmental unit.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>    (c) An environmental assessment worksheet shall also be prepared for a proposed <br/>
<a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>action whenever material evidence accompanying a petition by not less than 100 <br/>
<a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var>individuals who reside or own property in the state, submitted before the proposed <br/>
<a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>project has received final approval by the appropriate governmental units, demonstrates <br/>
<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>that, because of the nature or location of a proposed action, there may be potential for <br/>
<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>significant environmental effects. Petitions requesting the preparation of an environmental <br/>
<a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var>assessment worksheet shall be submitted to the board. The chair of the board shall <br/>
<a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>determine the appropriate responsible governmental unit and forward the petition to it. <br/>
<a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>A decision on the need for an environmental assessment worksheet shall be made by <br/>
<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>the responsible governmental unit within 15 days after the petition is received by the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>responsible governmental unit. The board's chair may extend the 15-day period by not <br/>
<a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var>more than 15 additional days upon request of the responsible governmental unit.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>    (d) Except in an environmentally sensitive location where Minnesota Rules, part <br/>
<a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>4410.4300, subpart 29, item B, applies, the proposed action is exempt from environmental <br/>
<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>review under this chapter and rules of the board, if:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>    (1) the proposed action is:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>    (i) an animal feedlot facility with a capacity of less than 1,000 animal units; or<br/>
<a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var>    (ii) an expansion of an existing animal feedlot facility with a total cumulative <br/>
<a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>capacity of less than 1,000 animal units;<br/>
<a id="pl.11.25"></a><var>11.25</var>    (2) the application for the animal feedlot facility includes a written commitment by <br/>
<a id="pl.11.26"></a><var>11.26</var>the proposer to design, construct, and operate the facility in full compliance with Pollution <br/>
<a id="pl.11.27"></a><var>11.27</var>Control Agency feedlot rules; and<br/>
<a id="pl.11.28"></a><var>11.28</var>    (3) the county board holds a public meeting for citizen input at least ten business <br/>
<a id="pl.11.29"></a><var>11.29</var>days prior to the Pollution Control Agency or county issuing a feedlot permit for the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.30"></a><var>11.30</var>animal feedlot facility unless another public meeting for citizen input has been held with <br/>
<a id="pl.11.31"></a><var>11.31</var>regard to the feedlot facility to be permitted. The exemption in this paragraph is in <br/>
<a id="pl.11.32"></a><var>11.32</var>addition to other exemptions provided under other law and rules of the board.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.33"></a><var>11.33</var>    (e) The board may, prior to final approval of a proposed project, require preparation <br/>
<a id="pl.11.34"></a><var>11.34</var>of an environmental assessment worksheet by a responsible governmental unit selected <br/>
<a id="pl.11.35"></a><var>11.35</var>by the board for any action where environmental review under this section has not been <br/>
<a id="pl.11.36"></a><var>11.36</var>specifically provided for by rule or otherwise initiated.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.1"></a><var>12.1</var>    (f) An early and open process shall be utilized to limit the scope of the environmental <br/>
<a id="pl.12.2"></a><var>12.2</var>impact statement to a discussion of those impacts, which, because of the nature or location <br/>
<a id="pl.12.3"></a><var>12.3</var>of the project, have the potential for significant environmental effects. The same process <br/>
<a id="pl.12.4"></a><var>12.4</var>shall be utilized to determine the form, content and level of detail of the statement as well <br/>
<a id="pl.12.5"></a><var>12.5</var>as the alternatives which are appropriate for consideration in the statement. In addition, <br/>
<a id="pl.12.6"></a><var>12.6</var>the permits which will be required for the proposed action shall be identified during the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.7"></a><var>12.7</var>scoping process. Further, the process shall identify those permits for which information <br/>
<a id="pl.12.8"></a><var>12.8</var>will be developed concurrently with the environmental impact statement. The board <br/>
<a id="pl.12.9"></a><var>12.9</var>shall provide in its rules for the expeditious completion of the scoping process. The <br/>
<a id="pl.12.10"></a><var>12.10</var>determinations reached in the process shall be incorporated into the order requiring the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.11"></a><var>12.11</var>preparation of an environmental impact statement.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.12"></a><var>12.12</var>    (g) The responsible governmental unit shall, to the extent practicable, avoid <br/>
<a id="pl.12.13"></a><var>12.13</var>duplication and ensure coordination between state and federal environmental review <br/>
<a id="pl.12.14"></a><var>12.14</var>and between environmental review and environmental permitting. Whenever practical, <br/>
<a id="pl.12.15"></a><var>12.15</var>information needed by a governmental unit for making final decisions on permits or <br/>
<a id="pl.12.16"></a><var>12.16</var>other actions required for a proposed project shall be developed in conjunction with the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.17"></a><var>12.17</var>preparation of an environmental impact statement.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.18"></a><var>12.18</var>    (h) An environmental impact statement shall be prepared and its adequacy <br/>
<a id="pl.12.19"></a><var>12.19</var>determined within 280 days after notice of its preparation unless the time is extended by <br/>
<a id="pl.12.20"></a><var>12.20</var>consent of the parties or by the governor for good cause. The responsible governmental <br/>
<a id="pl.12.21"></a><var>12.21</var>unit shall determine the adequacy of an environmental impact statement, unless within 60 <br/>
<a id="pl.12.22"></a><var>12.22</var>days after notice is published that an environmental impact statement will be prepared, <br/>
<a id="pl.12.23"></a><var>12.23</var>the board chooses to determine the adequacy of an environmental impact statement. If an <br/>
<a id="pl.12.24"></a><var>12.24</var>environmental impact statement is found to be inadequate, the responsible governmental <br/>
<a id="pl.12.25"></a><var>12.25</var>unit shall have 60 days to prepare an adequate environmental impact statement.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.26"></a><var>12.26</var>    (i) The proposer of a specific action may include in the information submitted to the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.27"></a><var>12.27</var>responsible governmental unit a preliminary draft environmental impact statement under <br/>
<a id="pl.12.28"></a><var>12.28</var>this section on that action for review, modification, and determination of completeness and <br/>
<a id="pl.12.29"></a><var>12.29</var>adequacy by the responsible governmental unit. A preliminary draft environmental impact <br/>
<a id="pl.12.30"></a><var>12.30</var>statement prepared by the project proposer and submitted to the responsible governmental <br/>
<a id="pl.12.31"></a><var>12.31</var>unit shall identify or include as an appendix all studies and other sources of information <br/>
<a id="pl.12.32"></a><var>12.32</var>used to substantiate the analysis contained in the preliminary draft environmental impact <br/>
<a id="pl.12.33"></a><var>12.33</var>statement. The responsible governmental unit shall require additional studies, if needed, <br/>
<a id="pl.12.34"></a><var>12.34</var>and obtain from the project proposer all additional studies and information necessary for <br/>
<a id="pl.12.35"></a><var>12.35</var>the responsible governmental unit to perform its responsibility to review, modify, and <br/>
<a id="pl.12.36"></a><var>12.36</var>determine the completeness and adequacy of the environmental impact statement.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.4.0"></a><a id="pl.13.1"></a><var>13.1</var>    Sec. 4. <b>PILOT PROGRAM FOR ALTERNATIVE FORM OF </b><br/>
<a id="pl.13.2"></a><var>13.2</var><b>ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.13.3"></a><var>13.3</var>(a) The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency and the commissioner <br/>
<a id="pl.13.4"></a><var>13.4</var>of natural resources may jointly conduct a pilot program for an alternative form of <br/>
<a id="pl.13.5"></a><var>13.5</var>environmental review as specified in this section. This pilot program is in addition to the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.6"></a><var>13.6</var>alternate forms of environmental review that are authorized under Minnesota Statutes, <br/>
<a id="pl.13.7"></a><var>13.7</var>section 116D.04, subdivision 4a. Minnesota Rules, part 4410.3600, does not apply to the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.8"></a><var>13.8</var>pilot program authorized in this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.9"></a><var>13.9</var>(b) The commissioners may select up to three projects to be processed under the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.10"></a><var>13.10</var>pilot program. The environmental review work for each project must commence before <br/>
<a id="pl.13.11"></a><var>13.11</var>January 1, 2014, to remain eligible for proceeding under this program.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.12"></a><var>13.12</var>(c) The pilot program procedures are as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.13.13"></a><var>13.13</var>(1) an environmental assessment worksheet is not required;<br/>
<a id="pl.13.14"></a><var>13.14</var>(2) a scoping document must be prepared that identifies the issues to be analyzed, <br/>
<a id="pl.13.15"></a><var>13.15</var>the alternatives to be considered, and the studies to be undertaken. The scoping <br/>
<a id="pl.13.16"></a><var>13.16</var>document results must be published at the same time as the notice of preparation of the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.17"></a><var>13.17</var>environmental impact statement;<br/>
<a id="pl.13.18"></a><var>13.18</var>(3) any person may submit written comments within 20 days of publication of the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.19"></a><var>13.19</var>notice for preparation of the environmental impact statement. The responsible government <br/>
<a id="pl.13.20"></a><var>13.20</var>unit must consider modifying the scope of the project based on the comments;<br/>
<a id="pl.13.21"></a><var>13.21</var>(4) the environmental impact statement must be an analytical, rather than an <br/>
<a id="pl.13.22"></a><var>13.22</var>encyclopedic, document that describes the proposed action in detail, analyzes the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.23"></a><var>13.23</var>action's significant environmental impacts, discusses appropriate alternatives to the <br/>
<a id="pl.13.24"></a><var>13.24</var>proposed action and the alternatives' impacts, and explores methods by which adverse <br/>
<a id="pl.13.25"></a><var>13.25</var>environmental impacts of an action could be mitigated. The environmental impact <br/>
<a id="pl.13.26"></a><var>13.26</var>statement must also analyze those economic, employment, and sociological effects that <br/>
<a id="pl.13.27"></a><var>13.27</var>cannot be avoided should the action be implemented;<br/>
<a id="pl.13.28"></a><var>13.28</var>(5) if an impact analysis is needed for permitting, the impact analysis may be <br/>
<a id="pl.13.29"></a><var>13.29</var>summarized for inclusion in the draft environmental impact statement rather than the full <br/>
<a id="pl.13.30"></a><var>13.30</var>modeling and analysis being contained within the draft environmental impact statement. <br/>
<a id="pl.13.31"></a><var>13.31</var>An impact analysis must identify the regulatory requirements, types of impact, and <br/>
<a id="pl.13.32"></a><var>13.32</var>mitigation methods; and<br/>
<a id="pl.13.33"></a><var>13.33</var>(6) the responsible government unit must follow the procedural notice requirements <br/>
<a id="pl.13.34"></a><var>13.34</var>for a draft environmental impact statement, final environmental impact statement, and <br/>
<a id="pl.13.35"></a><var>13.35</var>notice of determination of adequacy for an environmental impact statement.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.1"></a><var>14.1</var>(d) A project proposed to be processed under the pilot program must meet all of the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.2"></a><var>14.2</var>following criteria:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.3"></a><var>14.3</var>(1) the project meets or exceeds the threshold of a project requiring a mandatory <br/>
<a id="pl.14.4"></a><var>14.4</var>environmental impact statement;<br/>
<a id="pl.14.5"></a><var>14.5</var>(2) if a combustion source is part of the project, natural gas is the only fuel;<br/>
<a id="pl.14.6"></a><var>14.6</var>(3) the project does not have any known projected drawdown effect on private wells;<br/>
<a id="pl.14.7"></a><var>14.7</var>(4) Class I air modeling demonstrates that the project will not cause adverse <br/>
<a id="pl.14.8"></a><var>14.8</var>impacts; and<br/>
<a id="pl.14.9"></a><var>14.9</var>(5) the project is subject to Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, section 52.21, and <br/>
<a id="pl.14.10"></a><var>14.10</var>the reviews required for a PSD (prevention of significant deterioration) permit, including <br/>
<a id="pl.14.11"></a><var>14.11</var>control technology, ambient air, and Class I area impact analysis.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.12"></a><var>14.12</var>(e) A project may not be processed under the pilot program if the project:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.13"></a><var>14.13</var>(1) requires a federal environmental impact statement;<br/>
<a id="pl.14.14"></a><var>14.14</var>(2) is for mining metallic minerals by open pit or underground methods or is a new <br/>
<a id="pl.14.15"></a><var>14.15</var>facility for processing metallic minerals mined by open pit or underground methods;<br/>
<a id="pl.14.16"></a><var>14.16</var>(3) is for mining nonferrous metallic minerals or is a new facility for processing <br/>
<a id="pl.14.17"></a><var>14.17</var>nonferrous metallic minerals;<br/>
<a id="pl.14.18"></a><var>14.18</var>(4) is located in a karst area; or<br/>
<a id="pl.14.19"></a><var>14.19</var>(5) would result in a direct discharge of process water to surface water.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.20"></a><var>14.20</var>(f) For the selected projects, the responsible government unit must prepare the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.21"></a><var>14.21</var>environmental impact statement according to this section. Notwithstanding Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.14.22"></a><var>14.22</var>Statutes, section 116D.04, subdivision 2a, paragraph (i), the proposers of the specific <br/>
<a id="pl.14.23"></a><var>14.23</var>project selected for the pilot program may not prepare or submit a preliminary draft <br/>
<a id="pl.14.24"></a><var>14.24</var>environmental impact statement.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.25"></a><var>14.25</var>(g) The proposers are subject to the assessment of reasonable costs as provided <br/>
<a id="pl.14.26"></a><var>14.26</var>in Minnesota Statutes, section 116D.045.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.27"></a><var>14.27</var>(h) By January 15, 2016, the commissioners shall report to the Environmental <br/>
<a id="pl.14.28"></a><var>14.28</var>Quality Board on the outcomes of the pilot program and include any recommendations for <br/>
<a id="pl.14.29"></a><var>14.29</var>statute or rule changes.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.30"></a><var>14.30</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>