SF 3949

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/05/2024 08:37am

A bill for an act
relating to energy; modifying provisions governing the siting and relocation of
high-voltage transmission lines; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, section
216E.02, subdivision 1; Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 161.46,
subdivision 2.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 161.46, subdivision 2, is amended
to read:

Subd. 2.

Relocation of facilities; reimbursement.

(a) Whenever the commissioner shall
determine the relocation of any utility facility is necessitated by the construction of a project
on the routes of federally aided state trunk highways, including urban extensions thereof,
which routes are included within the National System of Interstate Highways, the owner or
operator of such utility facility shall relocate the same in accordance with the order of the
commissioner. new text begin Except as provided in paragraph (b), new text end after the completion of such relocation
the cost thereof shall be ascertained and paid by the state out of trunk highway funds;
provided, however, the amount to be paid by the state for such reimbursement shall not
exceed the amount on which the federal government bases its reimbursement for said
interstate system.

(b) deleted text begin Notwithstanding paragraph (a), deleted text end new text begin A high-voltage transmission line that receives a route
permit under chapter 216E new text end on or after deleted text begin January deleted text end new text begin July new text end 1, 2024, deleted text begin any entity that receives a route
permit under chapter deleted text end deleted text begin 216E deleted text end deleted text begin for a high-voltage transmission line necessary to interconnect
an electric power generating facility deleted text end is not eligible for relocation reimbursement deleted text begin unless the
entity directly, or through its members or agents, provides retail electric service in this state deleted text end new text begin
under this subdivision new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment and
applies to applications for a route permit for a high-voltage transmission line filed with the
commission on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 216E.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Policy.

new text begin (a) new text end The legislature hereby declares it to be the policy of the state
to locate large electric power facilities in an orderly manner compatible with environmental
preservation and the efficient use of resources. In accordance with this policy the commission
shall choose locations that minimize adverse human and environmental impact while insuring
continuing electric power system reliability and integrity and insuring that electric energy
needs are met and fulfilled in an orderly and timely fashion.

new text begin (b) It is the policy of this state that high-voltage transmission lines are sited, to the
greatest extent feasible that is consistent with economic and engineering considerations,
reliability of the electric grid, and protection of the environment, within corridors using the
following order of preference:
new text end

new text begin (1) existing utility corridors;
new text end

new text begin (2) interstate, freeway, and state trunk highway and railroad corridors;
new text end

new text begin (3) recreational trails, provided that the transmission lines are constructed below ground
and do not significantly impact environmentally sensitive areas; and
new text end

new text begin (4) new corridors.
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