HF 2281

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to energy; requiring the development of a
state plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from
electric generation facilities and other sources.

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

Section 1. new text begin FINDINGS AND POLICY.
new text end

new text begin (a) The legislature finds that the state's quality of life
depends on the quality of its natural amenities and natural
resources. It is the policy of this state to preserve these
amenities and resources for future generations. The legislature
finds that reducing heat-trapping gases is essential to
minimizing impacts of climate change, and that unless action is
taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize climate
change, many of Minnesota's natural amenities and natural
resources will be changed forever. Therefore, the legislature
determines that it is the policy of the state to protect
Minnesota's economy, natural amenities, and natural resources by
reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
new text end

new text begin (b) The legislature finds, based on a 2003 report by the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, that greenhouse gas
emissions in Minnesota are increasing at a rate faster than the
national rate of increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The
Ecological Society of America report indicates that, by the end
of this century, the state's temperatures may increase another
seven to 16 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and six to ten
degrees in the winter.
new text end

new text begin (c) The legislature finds that Minnesota is especially
vulnerable to dramatic climate change, that the projected
dramatic climate changes could significantly affect Minnesota
resources and activities at risk, and that other consequences
include:
new text end

new text begin (1) harm to forests, forestry, and woodland species,
including potential loss of Minnesota's northern boreal forest;
new text end

new text begin (2) harm to lake water quality, fisheries, water
recreation, and water supply, including potential loss of
habitat for cold-water species of fish in southern and central
Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (3) new problems associated with floodplain management and
flood control as severe storms become more frequent;
new text end

new text begin (4) diminishment of recreational resources, including
winter season recreation, hunting, and birding;
new text end

new text begin (5) reduction in tourism;
new text end

new text begin (6) harm to agriculture, particularly with potential
migration of additional pest species and crop diseases into
Minnesota, and with potential for less water being available
during growing seasons; and
new text end

new text begin (7) increased pollution, leading to public health problems,
including problems for people with asthma and other respiratory
diseases.
new text end

new text begin (d) In furtherance of the findings and policies in
paragraphs (a) to (c), the legislature enacts the requirement in
section 2 for development of a climate protection plan.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin CLIMATE PROTECTION PLAN.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of commerce, with input from other
state agencies, shall propose a plan to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from electric generation facilities and other sources
in the state. The plan shall propose appropriate reduction
goals, a list of alternative cost-effective ways to achieve
those goals, and shall recommend specific actions necessary to
meet the goals, for each of the following sectors: energy,
transportation, industrial, commercial, institutional, and
residential. The plan must allow for a regional cap and trade
program involving emissions from sources in neighboring states.
The plan must allow sustainably managed forestry, agricultural,
and other natural resource activities to be used to sequester
greenhouse gas emissions. The commissioner shall submit the
action plan to the Environmental Quality Board and to the chairs
of the senate Committee on Jobs, Energy and Community
Development, the senate Committee on Environment and Natural
Resources, the house Committee on Environment and Natural
Resources, and the house Committee on Regulated Industries by
December 1, 2005.
new text end

new text begin (b) Until July 1, 2006, the Public Utilities Commission and
the Pollution Control Agency must promptly report any actions
they take or permit which would reasonably be expected to
increase the emission of greenhouse gases from sources in the
state. Reports must be made to the chairs of the senate
Committee on Jobs, Energy and Community Development, the senate
Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, the house
Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and the house
Committee on Regulated Industries.
new text end

new text begin (c) For purposes of this section, "greenhouse gases" means
carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons,
perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.
new text end