HF 2420

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/25/2021 02:11pm

A bill for an act
relating to climate change; appropriating money for grant to University of
Minnesota to generate projections of climate variables across the state through
end of this century.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; SMALL-AREA CLIMATE MODEL PROJECTIONS
FOR MINNESOTA.
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new text begin (a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 116C.779, subdivision 1, paragraph (j),
$582,800 in fiscal year 2021 is appropriated from the renewable development account
established under Minnesota Statutes, section 116C.779, subdivision 1, to the commissioner
of commerce for a grant to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to conduct
a study that generates climate model projections for the entire state of Minnesota, at a level
of detail as small as three square miles in area.
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new text begin (b) At a minimum, the study must:
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new text begin (1) use resources at the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute to analyze high-performing
climate models under varying greenhouse gas emissions scenarios and develop a series of
projections of temperature, precipitation, snow cover, and a variety of other climate
parameters through the year 2100;
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new text begin (2) downscale the climate impact results under clause (1) to areas as small as three square
miles;
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new text begin (3) develop a publicly accessible data portal website to:
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new text begin (i) allow other universities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government agencies
to use the model projections; and
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new text begin (ii) educate and train users to use the data most effectively; and
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new text begin (4) incorporate information on how to use the model results in the University of
Minnesota Extension's climate education efforts, in partnership with the Minnesota Climate
Adaptation Partnership.
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new text begin (c) In conjunction with the study, the university must conduct at least two "train the
trainer" workshops for state agencies, municipalities, and other stakeholders to educate
them as to how to use and interpret the model data as a basis for their own climate adaptation
and resilience efforts.
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new text begin (d) Beginning July 1, 2022, and continuing each July 1 through 2024, the University of
Minnesota must provide a written report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
senate and house of representatives committees with primary jurisdiction over agriculture,
energy, and environment. The report must document the progress made on the study and
study results and must note any obstacles encountered that could prevent successful
completion of the study.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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