SF 3994

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/06/2020 08:20am

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; appropriating money for report on water-use permitting
process.

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

Section 1. new text begin WATER-USE PERMITTING PROCESS REPORT; APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2021 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
natural resources to review the water-use permitting process. The commissioner must submit
a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and
senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources
policy and finance. This is a onetime appropriation. The report must be submitted by January
15, 2021, and must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) an analysis of the water-use permitting process, identifying methods to improve
efficiency and outcomes for applicants while ensuring the sustainability of water resources;
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new text begin (2) a review of water-use permit applications for irrigation that were not issued within
the permitting efficiency goals identified under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.027,
subdivision 14a, reasons the goals were not met, and solutions to address those reasons;
new text end

new text begin (3) a review of the water-use permitting process and its interaction with the environmental
review process; and
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new text begin (4) recommendations to improve the water-use permitting process, including any
necessary changes to statutes or rules.
new text end