SF 2103

1st Engrossment - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to environment; modifying provisions for regulating genetically
engineered organisms; requiring a study; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006,
sections 116C.92; 116C.94, subdivision 1; 116C.97, subdivision 2.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 116C.92, is amended to read:

116C.92 COORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin State coordinating organization. new text end

The Environmental Quality Board
is designated the state coordinating organization for state and federal regulatory activities
relating to genetically engineered organisms.

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Notice of nationwide action. new text end

new text begin The board shall notify interested parties if a
permit to release genetically engineered wild rice is issued anywhere in the United States.
For purposes of this subdivision, "interested parties" means:
new text end

new text begin (1) the state's wild rice industry;
new text end

new text begin (2) the legislature;
new text end

new text begin (3) federally recognized tribes within Minnesota; and
new text end

new text begin (4) individuals who request to be notified.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 116C.94, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General authority.

new text begin (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), new text end the
board shall adopt rules consistent with sections 116C.91 to 116C.96 that require an
environmental assessment worksheet and otherwise comply with chapter 116D and rules
adopted under it for a proposed release and a permit for a release. The board may place
conditions on a permit and may deny, modify, suspend, or revoke a permit.

new text begin (b) The board shall adopt rules that require an environmental impact statement and
otherwise comply with chapter 116D and rules adopted under it for a proposed release and
a permit for a release of genetically engineered wild rice. The board may place conditions
on the permit and may deny, modify, suspend, or revoke the permit.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 116C.97, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Federal oversight.

(a) If the board determines, upon its own volition or at
the request of any person, that a federal program exists for regulating the release of certain
genetically engineered organisms and the federal oversight under the program is adequate
to protect human health or the environment, then any person may release such genetically
engineered organisms after obtaining the necessary federal approval and without obtaining
a state release permit or a significant environmental permit or complying with the other
requirements of sections 116C.91 to 116C.96 and the rules of the board adopted pursuant
to section 116C.94.

(b) If the board determines the federal program is adequate to meet only certain
requirements of sections 116C.91 to 116C.96 and the rules of the board adopted pursuant
to section 116C.94, the board may exempt such releases from those requirements.

(c) A person proposing a release for which a federal authorization is required may
apply to the board for an exemption from the board's permit or to a state agency with a
significant environmental permit for the proposed release for an exemption from the
agency's permit. The proposer must file with the board or state agency a written request
for exemption with a copy of the federal application and the information necessary to
determine if there is a potential for significant environmental effects under chapter 116D
and rules adopted under it. The board or state agency shall give public notice of the request
in the first available issue of the EQB Monitor and shall provide an opportunity for public
comment on the environmental review process consistent with chapter 116D and rules
adopted under it. The board or state agency may grant the exemption if the board or state
agency finds that the federal authorization issued is adequate to meet the requirements of
chapter 116D and rules adopted under it and any other requirement of the board's or state
agency's authority regarding the release of genetically engineered organisms. The board
or state agency must grant or deny the exemption within 45 days after the receipt of the
written request and the information required by the board or state agency.

new text begin (d) This subdivision does not apply to genetically engineered organisms for which
an environmental impact statement is required under sections 116C.91 to 116C.96.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin WILD RICE STUDY.
new text end

new text begin By February 15, 2008, the commissioner of natural resources must prepare a study
for natural wild rice that includes:
new text end

new text begin (1) the current location and estimated acreage and area of natural stands;
new text end

new text begin (2) identified threats to natural stands, including, but not limited to, development
pressure, water levels, pollution, invasive species, and genetic strains; and
new text end

new text begin (3) recommendations to the house and senate committees with jurisdiction over
natural resources on protecting and increasing natural wild rice stands in the state.
new text end

new text begin In developing the study, the commissioner must contact and ask for comments
from the state's wild rice industry, the commissioner of agriculture, local officials with
significant areas of wild rice within their jurisdictions, tribal leaders within affected
federally recognized tribes, and interested citizens.
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

Sec. 5. new text begin CONSTRUCTION.
new text end

new text begin Nothing in this act affects, alters, or modifies the authorities, responsibilities,
obligations, or powers of the state or any political subdivision thereof or any federally
recognized tribe.
new text end