HF 2523

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/14/2019 02:09pm

A bill for an act
relating to environment; establishing advisory task force on green roofs; requiring
a report; appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin GREEN ROOF ADVISORY TASK FORCE; REPORT.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin For the purposes of this section, "green roof" means the roof
of a building on which:
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new text begin (1) photovoltaic devices, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.06, are sited;
or
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new text begin (2) a vegetative landscape and associated elements are installed, which may include:
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new text begin (i) a growing medium;
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new text begin (ii) a waterproof membrane to protect the roof;
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new text begin (iii) a barrier to prevent plant roots from damaging the roof;
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new text begin (iv) a filter layer to prevent the growing medium from washing away;
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new text begin (v) thermal insulation to protect the vegetation and the building;
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new text begin (vi) a drainage system; and
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new text begin (vii) structural support.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The Green Roof Advisory Task Force consists of the following
members:
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new text begin (1) the state building official, appointed under Minnesota Statutes, section 326B.127,
or the state building official's designee;
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new text begin (2) a representative of the Building Owners and Managers Association Greater
Minneapolis, appointed by the president of the association;
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new text begin (3) three representatives from Minnesota companies with extensive experience installing
green roofs, appointed by the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency;
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new text begin (4) a cochair of the Committee on the Environment of the American Institute of Architects
Minnesota, or the cochair's designee;
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new text begin (5) a horticultural expert from the University of Minnesota Extension, appointed by the
dean of extension;
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new text begin (6) a representative of the University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Building
Research, appointed by the director of the center;
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new text begin (7) a representative of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association, appointed by
the president of the association;
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new text begin (8) the commissioner of commerce, or the commissioner's designee; and
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new text begin (9) other members appointed by the advisory task force that it deems to be helpful in
carrying out its duties under subdivision 3.
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new text begin (b) Members of the advisory task force are not to be compensated for activities associated
with the advisory task force.
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new text begin (c) The Department of Commerce must serve as staff to the advisory task force.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The advisory task force's duties are to review and evaluate:
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new text begin (1) laws relating to green roofs enacted in American cities and states and in foreign
countries;
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new text begin (2) estimates of the impacts of operating green roofs on:
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new text begin (i) energy use in the buildings on which the green roofs are installed and any associated
reductions in the emission of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants;
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new text begin (ii) roof replacement costs; and
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new text begin (iii) management costs for storm water; and
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new text begin (3) any other information the task force deems relevant.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin By March 1, 2020, the advisory task force must submit a report to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees
with primary jurisdiction over energy policy and environmental policy. The report must
contain the task force's findings and recommendations, including discussion of the benefits
and problems associated with requiring buildings of a certain type and size to install green
roofs.
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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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Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2020 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
commerce to complete the report required under section 1.
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