HF 2096

as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 01:58am

A bill for an act
relating to energy; creating Minnesota Green Enterprise Authority; appropriating
money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116J.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [116J.438] MINNESOTA GREEN ENTERPRISE AUTHORITY.
new text end

new text begin (a) The Minnesota Green Enterprise Authority is created to advise, promote, market,
coordinate, and mandate collaboration on green enterprise and green economy projects, as
defined in section 116J.437, with state agencies, local governments, and the business and
agricultural communities. The authority is charged with utilizing existing resources and
breaking across administrative agency barriers to expedite the delivery of grants, licenses,
permits, and other requirements for implementing green economy projects.
new text end

new text begin (b) The authority consists of:
new text end

new text begin (1) three primary members dedicated full time to activities on behalf of the goals of
the authority, which include (i) a member employed in the Department of Employment and
Economic Development, appointed by its commissioner, (ii) a member employed in the
Pollution Control Agency, appointed by its commissioner, and (iii) a member employed in
the Office of Energy Security, appointed by its director; and
new text end

new text begin (2) three members dedicated half time to activities on behalf of the goals of the
authority, which include (i) a member employed by the Department of Natural Resources,
appointed by its commissioner, (ii) a member employed by the Department of Agriculture,
appointed by its commissioner, and (iii) a member employed by the Department of
Transportation, appointed by its commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (c) The authority shall seek out and appoint a director from the business community
who shall serve without compensation. The director is responsible for representing the
authority and the state at trade shows or missions, as well as assisting the authority with
its activities and efforts on behalf of the green economy.
new text end

new text begin (d) The authority may accept gifts, contributions, and in-kind services for the
purposes of this section.
new text end

new text begin (e) The authority shall report to the legislature by January 1 annually on its activities
and progress with advancing the green economy.
new text end

new text begin (f) This section expires January 2, 2020.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; GREEN ENTERPRISE AUTHORITY.
new text end

new text begin $100,000 is transferred from the balance of the fiscal year 2009 appropriation for the
Green Jobs Task Force under Laws 2008, chapter 363, article 6, section 3, subdivision
4, and is appropriated to the commissioner of employment and economic development
for the creation and activities of the Green Enterprise Authority. This appropriation is
available through June 30, 2010.
new text end