SF 1180

2nd Engrossment - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 08/03/2023 10:11am

A bill for an act
relating to public buildings; appropriating money for research to integrate weather
trends in designing and operating public buildings to reduce operational costs and
prevent damage from extreme weather events; requiring a report.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; IMPACTS OF FUTURE WEATHER TRENDS ON
PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS AND DESIGN.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Appropriation; recommendations. new text end

new text begin $690,000 in fiscal year 2024 is
appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of administration to contract with
the Board of Regents for the University of Minnesota for the Institute on the Environment
to research and provide recommendations for:
new text end

new text begin (1) how to design and evaluate buildings constructed by the state and local governments
in light of projected weather trends that may exacerbate conditions such as drought, elevated
temperatures, and flooding. The recommended practices must take into account how to
reduce energy costs through energy efficiency measures, innovative construction materials
and techniques, and the use of renewable energy sources. The recommended practices must
also aim to prevent and minimize damage to buildings due to extreme weather conditions
such as increased frequency of intense precipitation events and tornadoes, flooding, and
elevated temperatures; and
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new text begin (2) how to design, construct, or operate public infrastructure in light of projected weather
trends to accomplish the following objectives:
new text end

new text begin (i) maintain and increase the amount and quality of food and wood production;
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new text begin (ii) reduce fire risk on forested land;
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new text begin (iii) maintain and enhance water quality; and
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new text begin (iv) maintain and enhance natural habitats.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Written report. new text end

new text begin The grant agreement must require the director of the Institute
on the Environment to submit a written report to the chairs and ranking minority members
of the committees in the house of representatives and the senate with primary jurisdiction
over environment policy and capital investment that summarizes the findings and
recommendations, including recommendations for policy and legislative changes.
new text end