SF 2632

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 03/13/2014 09:38am

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; establishing a Sustainable Mining Institute at the
University of Minnesota, Duluth; appropriating money; proposing coding for
new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 137.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [137.345] SUSTAINABLE MINING INSTITUTE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment; mission. new text end

new text begin (a) A Sustainable Mining Institute is
established at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. The mission of the institute is to
conduct and facilitate research into, and implementation of, sustainable mining practices,
with emphasis on sustainable mining practices that would benefit both the operation of
proposed and existing mines within the state, and the communities and economies within
close proximity of the mines.
new text end

new text begin (b) The institute's primary classroom facilities must be located within 15 miles
of an existing, operational mine.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Advisory board. new text end

new text begin (a) The work of the Institute must be guided by a
nine-member advisory board appointed by the chancellor of the University of Minnesota,
Duluth, in consultation with the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.
The advisory board must include members representing environmental advocacy
organizations, the mining industry, as well as academic researchers with interest and
experience in mining and environmental issues, and citizens representing communities
with a substantial mining-based economy.
new text end

new text begin (b) Members of the advisory board shall be appointed for a two-year term, and are
eligible for reappointment. In making appointments to the advisory board representing
industry, preference may be given to individuals representing industry sectors or businesses
with a demonstrated history of supporting and investing in the institute's mission.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Duties of the institute. new text end

new text begin The institute shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) provide grants to individuals and organizations conducting research on issues
consistent with the institute's mission, according to procedures for soliciting, reviewing,
and approving proposals in an open and competitive process that shall be established by
the advisory board;
new text end

new text begin (2) facilitate and provide opportunities for workforce training, internships, and other
practical skills-based experiences that encourage sustainable mining practices; and
new text end

new text begin (3) conduct other appropriate programs and outreach activities, consistent with the
institute's mission, as may be recommended by the advisory board.
new text end

new text begin Where appropriate, the institute shall coordinate its work with the Iron Range Resources
and Rehabilitation Board, the Natural Resources Research Institute, and other similar
institutes and organizations within Minnesota and in other states.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Appropriations; receipt of other funds. new text end

new text begin In addition to funds appropriated
to the institute by law, the institute may accept funds from outside sources, including
federal grants and appropriations, and donations from private individuals or entities, to
facilitate the institute's work and further its mission.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin SUSTAINABLE MINING INSTITUTE; APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

new text begin $3,000,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2015 from the general fund to the Board
of Regents of the University of Minnesota for purposes of establishment and initial
operations of the Sustainable Mining Institute created pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
section 137.345. The funds are available until spent.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Sections 1 and 2 are effective July 1, 2014. Initial appointments to the advisory
board established in section 1 must be made no later than August 1, 2014.
new text end