1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to energy; establishing setbacks for certain solar energy generating systems;
1.3 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216E.01, subdivision 5; proposing 
1.4 	coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216E.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216E.01, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
1.7 		Subd. 5.Large electric power generating plant. "Large electric power generating 
1.8 	plant" shall mean means electric power generating equipment and associated facilities 
1.9 	designed for to operate or capable of operation operating at a capacity of:
1.10 	(1) 50,000 kilowatts or more.; or
1.11 	(2) for a solar electric generating system, 5,000 kilowatts or more.

1.12 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

1.13 	Sec. 2. [216E.022] SETBACKS; SOLAR ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEMS.
1.14 	A permit must not be granted under this chapter to construct a solar energy generating 
1.15 	system located within:
1.16 	(1) 250 feet of a public road right-of-way;
1.17 	(2) 500 feet of a state trail or other recreational trail;
1.18 	(3) three-quarters of a mile of a state park or county park; or
1.19 	(4) three-quarters of a mile of a wildlife management area.

2.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and 
2.2 	applies to all solar energy generating systems commencing construction on or after that 
2.3 	date.