HF 1707

as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 02/27/2025 03:16pm

A bill for an act
relating to energy; requiring local government and Tribal approval for all solar
projects; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 216I.05, subdivision 5;
216I.10, subdivision 1.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216I.05, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Preapplication coordination new text begin and approval new text end .

new text begin (a) new text end At least 30 days before filing
an application with the commission, an applicant must provide notice to: (1) each local unit
of government within which a site or route may be proposed; (2) Minnesota Tribal
governments, as defined under section 10.65, subdivision 2; and (3) the state technical
resource agencies. The notice must describe the proposed project and provide the entities
receiving the notice an opportunity for preapplication coordination or feedback.

new text begin (b) An applicant applying for a permit for a solar project of any capacity must receive
approval from each local unit of government and Minnesota Tribal government that has
jurisdiction over the proposed site location.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216I.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Permit not required.

A permit issued by the commission is not required
to construct:

(1) a small wind energy conversion system;

(2) a power plant deleted text begin or solar energy generating system deleted text end with a capacity of less than 50
megawatts;

(3) an energy storage system with a capacity of less than ten megawatts;

(4) a transmission line that (i) has a capacity of 100 kilovolts or more, and (ii) is less
than 1,500 feet in length; and

(5) a transmission line that has a capacity of less than 100 kilovolts.