4th Engrossment - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am
A bill for an act
relating to transportation; requiring language that the state will purchase plug-in
hybrid electric vehicles when commercially available to be inserted in certain
bid documents; creating a task force.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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(a) As used in sections 2 and 3, "plug-in hybrid electric
vehicle (PHEV)" means a vehicle containing an internal combustion engine that also
allows power to be delivered to the drive wheels by a battery-powered electric motor and
that meets applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. When connected to the
electrical grid via an electrical outlet, the vehicle must be able to recharge its battery. The
vehicle must have the ability to travel at least 20 miles, powered substantially by electricity.
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(b) As used in this section, "neighborhood electric vehicle" means an electrically
powered motor vehicle that has four wheels and has a speed attainable in one mile of at
least 20 miles per hour but not more than 25 miles per hour on a paved level surface.
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All solicitation
documents for the purchase of a passenger automobile, as defined in Minnesota Statutes,
section 168.011, subdivision 7; pickup truck, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section
168.011, subdivision 29; or van, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 168.011,
subdivision 28, issued under the jurisdiction of the Department of Administration after
June 30, 2006, must contain the following language: "It is the intention of the state of
Minnesota to begin purchasing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and neighborhood electric
vehicles as soon as they become commercially available, meet the state's performance
specifications, and are priced no more than ten percent above the price for comparable
gasoline-powered vehicles. It is the intention of the state to purchase plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles and neighborhood electric vehicles whenever practicable after these
conditions have been met and as fleet needs dictate for at least five years after these
conditions have been met.
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This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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The automotive engineering program at Minnesota State University - Mankato
is strongly encouraged to retrofit two flexible fuel vehicles to also operate as plug-in
hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV's). If the legislature does not appropriate funds for this
purpose, the Department of Administration and Minnesota State University - Mankato
may accept donations and work cooperatively with nonprofit agencies, higher education
institutions, and public agencies to procure vehicles and obtain other necessary funds to
conduct the retrofit.
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This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
task force is established. The task force shall consist of 14 members as follows:
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(1) one representative each from Xcel Energy and Great River Energy;
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(2) one representative each from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the
Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency;
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(3) the director of the Travel Management Division of the Minnesota Department of
Administration, or the director's designee;
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(4) a representative from the University of Minnesota Department of Electrical
Engineering;
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(5) one representative each from Minnesota-based manufacturers of electric
batteries, automotive parts, and power electronics;
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(6) a representative from an environmental advocacy organization active in
electricity issues;
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(7) a representative of United Auto Workers Local 879;
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(8) a representative of the Ford Motor Company; and
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(9) a representative of a Minnesota-based manufacturer of electric vehicles.
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The chairs of the senate and house of representatives
committees with primary jurisdiction over energy policy shall jointly appoint the task
force members.
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The task force shall have two cochairs, one appointed by each
of the appointing authorities established in subdivision 2.
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(a) The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle task force shall identify
barriers to the adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles by state agencies, small
and large private fleets, and Minnesota drivers at-large and develop strategies to be
implemented over one-, three-, and five-year time frames to overcome those barriers.
Included in the analysis should be possible financial incentives to encourage Ford Motor
Company to produce plug-in hybrid, flexible-fueled vehicles at its St. Paul plant.
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(b) The task force shall consider and evaluate the data and information presented to
it under subdivision 5 in presenting its findings and recommendations.
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The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency
shall analyze and report to the task force the environmental impacts of purchasing plug-in
hybrid electric vehicles for the state-owned vehicle fleet and at penetration rates of ten
percent, 25 percent, and 50 percent of all motor vehicles registered in this state. The
analysis must compare, for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and current fleet vehicles, air
emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in
width, volatile organic compounds, and carbon dioxide.
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Members of the task force are entitled to reimbursement
for expenses under Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 6. Member
reimbursements shall be paid for by the commissioner of commerce.
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The state agencies represented on the commission shall provide
staff support.
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The task force shall present its findings and recommendations in a
report to the chairs of the senate and house of representatives committees with primary
jurisdiction over energy policy and state government operations by April 1, 2007.
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The task force expires on June 30, 2008.
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This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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