HF 2837

as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/10/2010 02:58pm

A bill for an act
relating to economic development; amending the definition of "green economy"
to include the concept of "green chemistry"; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008,
section 116J.437, subdivision 1.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 116J.437, subdivision 1, is amended to
read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

new text begin (a) new text end For the purpose of this section, new text begin the following terms
have the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) new text end "Green economy" means products, processes, methods, technologies, or services
intended to do one or more of the following:

(1) increase the use of energy from renewable sources, including through achieving
the renewable energy standard established in section 216B.1691;

(2) achieve the statewide energy-savings goal established in section 216B.2401,
including energy savings achieved by the conservation investment program under section
216B.241;

(3) achieve the greenhouse gas emission reduction goals of section 216H.02,
subdivision 1, including through reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as defined in
section 216H.01, subdivision 2, or mitigation of the greenhouse gas emissions through,
but not limited to, carbon capture, storage, or sequestration;

(4) monitor, protect, restore, and preserve the quality of surface waters, including
actions to further the purposes of the Clean Water Legacy Act as provided in section
114D.10, subdivision 1; deleted text begin or
deleted text end

(5) expand the use of biofuels, including by expanding the feasibility or reducing the
cost of producing biofuels or the types of equipment, machinery, and vehicles that can
use biofuels, including activities to achieve the biofuels 25 by 2025 initiative in sections
41A.10, subdivision 2, and 41A.11 new text begin ; or
new text end

new text begin (6) increase the use of green chemistry to develop products, materials, and production
processes that reduce environmental and human exposure to hazardous substances new text end .

For the purpose of clause (3), "green economy" includes strategies that reduce carbon
emissions, such as utilizing existing buildings and other infrastructure, and utilizing mass
transit or otherwise reducing commuting for employees.

new text begin (c) "Green chemistry" means a practice that, by altering the inputs to a production
process or by redesigning a product or production process: (i) reduces or eliminates the
use or formation of hazardous substances or lessens their toxicity; or (ii) reduces energy
consumption, uses renewable feedstock, or reduces or prevents waste or pollution.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Hazardous substance": (i) has the meaning given in section 115B.02, subdivision
8, or (ii) is a "chemical of high concern," as defined in section 116.9401, paragraph (e).
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