HF 2255

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/18/2021 06:07pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; providing conditions upon terminating certain mineral
leases in 2021.

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

Section 1. new text begin CONDITIONS UPON TERMINATING CERTAIN MINERAL LEASES
IN 2021.
new text end

new text begin If the commissioner of natural resources terminates state mineral leases associated with
a mine permit for an operation to mine, provide direct reduction of ore, and make steel in
calendar year 2021, the commissioners of natural resources and the Pollution Control Agency
must wait at least two years after the termination before initiating action to terminate
environmental permits associated with the mining or processing of iron ore from the lands,
unless earlier termination is necessary to ensure environmental protection or if otherwise
governed by federal law. Nothing in this section prohibits a permittee from proposing to
amend or otherwise exercise any existing rights to transfer or cancel permits under existing
law. Nothing in this section precludes the commissioner of natural resources from terminating
or transferring any state mineral leases issued in association with the properties listed above,
provided the termination or transfer complies with all other requirements of Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 93.
new text end