1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to energy; modifying provisions governing the siting and relocation of 
1.3 	high-voltage transmission lines;amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 
1.4 	216E.02, subdivision 1; Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 161.46, 
1.5 	subdivision 2.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 161.46, subdivision 2, is amended 
1.8 	to read:
1.9 		Subd. 2.Relocation of facilities; reimbursement. (a) Whenever the commissioner shall 
1.10 	determine the relocation of any utility facility is necessitated by the construction of a project 
1.11 	on the routes of federally aided state trunk highways, including urban extensions thereof, 
1.12 	which routes are included within the National System of Interstate Highways, the owner or 
1.13 	operator of such utility facility shall relocate the same in accordance with the order of the 
1.14 	commissioner. Except as provided in paragraph (b), after the completion of such relocation 
1.15 	the cost thereof shall be ascertained and paid by the state out of trunk highway funds; 
1.16 	provided, however, the amount to be paid by the state for such reimbursement shall not 
1.17 	exceed the amount on which the federal government bases its reimbursement for said 
1.18 	interstate system.
1.19 	(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), A high-voltage transmission line that receives a route 
1.20 	permit under chapter 216E on or after January July 1, 2024, any entity that receives a route 
1.21 	permit under chapter 216E for a high-voltage transmission line necessary to interconnect 
1.22 	an electric power generating facility is not eligible for relocation reimbursement unless the 
1.23 	entity directly, or through its members or agents, provides retail electric service in this state
1.24 	under this subdivision.

2.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and 
2.2 	applies to applications for a route permit for a high-voltage transmission line filed with the 
2.3 	commission on or after that date.

2.4 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 216E.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2.5 		Subdivision 1.Policy. (a) The legislature hereby declares it to be the policy of the state 
2.6 	to locate large electric power facilities in an orderly manner compatible with environmental 
2.7 	preservation and the efficient use of resources. In accordance with this policy the commission 
2.8 	shall choose locations that minimize adverse human and environmental impact while insuring 
2.9 	continuing electric power system reliability and integrity and insuring that electric energy 
2.10 	needs are met and fulfilled in an orderly and timely fashion.
2.11 	(b) It is the policy of this state that high-voltage transmission lines are sited, to the 
2.12 	greatest extent feasible that is consistent with economic and engineering considerations, 
2.13 	reliability of the electric grid, and protection of the environment, within corridors using the 
2.14 	following order of preference:
2.15 	(1) existing utility corridors;
2.16 	(2) interstate, freeway, and state trunk highway and railroad corridors;
2.17 	(3) recreational trails, provided that the transmission lines are constructed below ground 
2.18 	and do not significantly impact environmentally sensitive areas; and
2.19 	(4) new corridors.

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