SF 3528

as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 05/18/2025 01:08pm

A bill for an act
relating to environment; setting a state goal for wetland restoration and protection;
requiring reports; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter
103G.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [103G.220] WETLAND RESTORATION AND PROTECTION GOAL.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Goal. new text end

new text begin It is the goal of the state to restore or permanently protect no fewer
than 1 million acres of lost or significantly degraded wetlands between the effective date
of this section and 2050.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duty of state agencies. new text end

new text begin A state agency that administers grant programs or
otherwise has discretion over the use of appropriated money that could be spent in a manner
that contributes to achieving the goal in subdivision 1 must include consideration of
opportunities to contribute toward the achievement of that goal in its grant award and other
applicable decision-making processes. Preference for wetlands to be restored or permanently
protected must be directed to counties that have lost more than 50 percent of their
prestatehood wetlands as of the effective date of this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin By January 1, 2027, and each January 1 thereafter, the Board of
Water and Soil Resources must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members
of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over environment policy and finance on
the status of efforts to achieve the goal in subdivision 1. The report must identify and quantify
where wetlands have been protected and restored, where they may be protected and restored
in the future, and any obstacles to achieving the goal in subdivision 1.
new text end