SF 3695

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to environment; providing for planning for greenhouse gas reductions;
establishing a working group; providing appointments; requiring a report;
appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 116C.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [116C.99] FINDINGS; GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTIONS.
new text end

new text begin The legislature finds that changes in development patterns are necessary for
Minnesota to achieve the greenhouse gas reduction goals provided in section 216H.02,
subdivision 1. The legislature further finds that improved land use planning and
development practices that target growth in ways that reduce the number and length of
vehicle trips are necessary to achieve the greenhouse gas reduction goals provided in
section 216H.02, subdivision 1.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [116C.991] INVENTORY OF AVAILABLE FUNDS.
new text end

new text begin The Environmental Quality Board shall inventory all funds that could be available
for distribution in an incentive-based system to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals in
such areas as housing, economic development, infrastructure, water and sewer, schools,
transportation, and recreation. The inventory must include state funds and federal funds
passed through the state over which the state has discretionary control.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [116C.992] GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION WORKING GROUP.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Composition. new text end

new text begin A working group is established, to be comprised of:
new text end

new text begin (1) the commissioners of agriculture, natural resources, transportation, employment
and economic development, commerce, health, education, the Pollution Control Agency,
and the Housing Finance Agency, or their designees;
new text end

new text begin (2) a representative of the Board of Water and Soil Resources;
new text end

new text begin (3) a representative of the Metropolitan Council;
new text end

new text begin (4) up to 12 members of the public, appointed by the Environmental Quality
Board, who have an interest in promoting sustainable communities and including at
least one representative from each of the business, natural resources protection, energy,
local government, affordable housing, planning, environmental justice, social justice,
and philanthropic sectors;
new text end

new text begin (5) two senators, one appointed by the majority leader and one appointed by the
minority leader of the senate;
new text end

new text begin (6) two members of the house of representatives, one appointed by the speaker of
the house and one appointed by the minority leader; and
new text end

new text begin (7) two representatives of local governments, appointed by the Environmental
Quality Board.
new text end

new text begin Members appointed under clauses (5) and (6) shall be nonvoting members. To
the extent possible, members appointed under clause (4) should be balanced between
members from greater Minnesota and suburban and urban communities.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Powers. new text end

new text begin The working group may accept gifts and grants, which are
accepted on behalf of the state and constitute donations to the state. Funds received are
appropriated to the commissioner of administration for purposes of the working group.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Purpose. new text end

new text begin The purpose of the working group is to align state infrastructure
investments with state greenhouse gas reduction goals.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Goals. new text end

new text begin The goals of the working group are to:
new text end

new text begin (1) develop a list of performance goals and priorities for the state and local units
of government;
new text end

new text begin (2) develop a coordinated investment approach that would align state infrastructure
funding to local government performance with regard to the state's priorities;
new text end

new text begin (3) package and offer coordinated technical assistance, tools, and resources regarding
better land use to local governments; and
new text end

new text begin (4) coordinate GIS information to ensure data sharing and adoption of a common
technical platform.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Strategies. new text end

new text begin The working group shall identify strategies, recommendations,
and a process for implementing state-level coordination of state and local policies,
programs, and regulations in the areas of housing, transportation, natural resource
preservation, health, education, and job creation. Strategies and recommendations shall
include, but are not limited to, strategies that:
new text end

new text begin (1) provide citizens with safe and convenient transportation alternatives, such as
transit, walking, and bicycling;
new text end

new text begin (2) maximize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of public investments by
prioritizing infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation;
new text end

new text begin (3) increase job and business opportunities, especially in locations near housing,
infrastructure, and transportation options;
new text end

new text begin (4) expand life-cycle housing opportunities for all income levels, especially in
job-rich jurisdictions;
new text end

new text begin (5) increase physical activity through community design changes that promote the
convenience and safety of walking and biking;
new text end

new text begin (6) increase the quantity, quality, and accessibility of wildlands, wetlands, and water
with the goal of preserving and protecting connected ecosystem functions; and
new text end

new text begin (7) maximize on-site or local nongreenhouse gas energy sources and energy efficient
building.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin The working group shall report the results of its study to the
legislature by January 1, 2009. The final report must include a suggested budget for staff
and expenses to fund the implementation of the recommended program, including the
technical assistance provisions.
new text end