Minnesota Session Laws - 2008, Regular Session

CHAPTER 356--S.F.No. 3096

An act

relating to energy; creating programs for government energy conservation investments; removing rulemaking requirement for certain loan and grant programs; establishing microenergy loan program; authorizing issuance of state revenue bonds; modifying provision allowing guaranteed energy savings contracts; modifying or adding provisions relating to green economy activities; creating Green Jobs Task Force; requiring reports; appropriating money;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 116J.8731, subdivision 4; 216C.09; Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, sections 116J.575, subdivision 1a; 471.345, subdivision 13; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 16B; 116J; 216C; repealing Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 2, section 30.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [16B.321] DEFINITIONS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Scope. new text end

new text begin For the purpose of this section and section 16B.322, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Energy improvement project. new text end

new text begin "Energy improvement project" means: new text end

new text begin (1) a project to improve energy efficiency in a building or facility, including the design, acquisition, installation, construction, and commissioning of equipment or improvements to a building or facility owned or operated by a state agency, and training of building or facility staff necessary to properly operate and maintain the equipment or improvements; or new text end

new text begin (2) a project to design, acquire, install, construct, and commission equipment or products to utilize solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, or other alternative energy sources in heating, cooling, or providing electricity for a building or facility owned or operated by a state agency and training of building or facility staff necessary to properly operate and maintain the equipment or improvements. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Energy project study. new text end

new text begin "Energy project study" means a technical and financial study of one or more energy improvement projects, including: new text end

new text begin (1) an analysis of historical energy consumption and cost data; new text end

new text begin (2) a description of existing equipment, structural elements, operating characteristics, and other conditions affecting energy use; new text end

new text begin (3) a description of the proposed energy improvement projects; new text end

new text begin (4) a detailed budget for the proposed project; and new text end

new text begin (5) calculations sufficient to demonstrate the expected energy and operational cost savings and reduction in fossil-fuel use. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Financing agreement. new text end

new text begin "Financing agreement" means a tax-exempt lease-purchase agreement entered into by the commissioner of administration and a financial institution under a standard project financing agreement offered under section 16B.322, subdivision 4. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin State agency. new text end

new text begin "State agency" means any office, board, commission, authority, department, or other agency of the executive branch of state government. new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [16B.322] ENERGY IMPROVEMENT FINANCING PROGRAM FOR STATE GOVERNMENT. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Commissioner's authority and duties; state agency authority. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall administer the energy improvement financing program created by this section. A state agency may enter into contracts for the purposes of this section with the commissioner and participating financial institutions. All technical services and construction contracts shall be executed through the appropriate procurement procedure in chapters 16B, 16C, and other applicable law. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Program eligibility; voluntary program participation; targeted technical services. new text end

new text begin A state agency may elect to participate in the program. The commissioner may prioritize and target technical services offered under subdivision 3 to state agencies with state buildings or facilities that the commissioner determines offer the greatest potential to improve energy efficiency or reduce use of fossil-fuel energy. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Targeted technical services. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may require full or partial reimbursement of costs for technical services provided to a state agency, subject to terms and conditions specified and agreed to by contract prior to the delivery of technical services. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Financing agreement. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall solicit proposals from private financial institutions and may enter into a financing agreement with one or more financial institutions. The term of the financing agreement shall not exceed 15 years from the date of final completion of the energy improvement project. The financing agreement is assignable to the state agency operating or managing the state building or facility improved by the energy improvement project. The proceeds from the financing agreement are appropriated to the commissioner and may be used for the purposes of this section and are available until spent. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Qualifying energy improvement projects. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may approve an energy improvement project and enter into a financing agreement if the commissioner determines that: new text end

new text begin (1) the project and financing agreement have been approved by the governing body or head of the state agency that operates or manages the state building or facility to be improved; new text end

new text begin (2) the project is technically and economically feasible; new text end

new text begin (3) the state agency that operates or manages the state building or facility has made adequate provision for the operation and maintenance of the project; new text end

new text begin (4) if an energy efficiency improvement, the project is calculated to result in a positive cash flow in each year the financing agreement is in effect; new text end

new text begin (5) the project proposer has fully explored the use of conservation investment plan opportunities under section 216B.241 with the utilities providing gas and electric service to the energy improvement project; new text end

new text begin (6) if a renewable energy improvement, the project is calculated to reduce use of fossil-fuel energy; and new text end

new text begin (7) if a geothermal energy improvement, the project is calculated to produce savings in terms of nongeothermal energy and costs. new text end

new text begin For the purpose of clause (6), "renewable energy" is energy produced by an eligible energy technology as defined in section 216B.1691, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (1). new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Program costs. new text end

new text begin Program costs incurred by the commissioner or a state agency that are not reimbursed or paid directly under a financing agreement may be paid with money made available to the commissioner under section 216C.43, subdivision 10. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Conservation investment plan savings goals. new text end

new text begin A utility or association may count toward its energy savings goals under section 216B.241, subdivision 1c, the energy savings resulting from its investment in an energy improvement project. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin Beginning January 15, 2009, and each year thereafter, the commissioner of administration shall submit to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house committees on energy finance a report containing, at a minimum, the following information regarding projects implemented under this section: new text end

new text begin (1) the total number of projects; new text end

new text begin (2) the amount of calculated and, if available, actual energy savings for each project; new text end

new text begin (3) the cost of each project; and new text end

new text begin (4) the total amount paid for technical services provided under subdivision 3 for each project. new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [116J.437] COORDINATING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin For the purpose of this section, "green economy" means products, processes, methods, technologies, or services intended to do one or more of the following: new text end

new text begin (1) increase the use of energy from renewable sources, including through achieving the renewable energy standard established in section 216B.1691; new text end

new text begin (2) achieve the statewide energy savings goal established in section 216B.2401, including energy savings achieved by the conservation investment program under section 216B.241; new text end

new text begin (3) achieve the greenhouse gas emission reduction goals of section 216H.02, subdivision 1, including through reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as defined in section 216H.01, subdivision 2, or mitigation of the greenhouse gas emissions through, but not limited to, carbon capture, storage, or sequestration; new text end

new text begin (4) monitor, protect, restore, and preserve the quality of surface waters, including actions to further the purposes of the Clean Water Legacy Act as provided in section 114D.10, subdivision 1; or new text end

new text begin (5) expand the use of biofuels, including by expanding the feasibility or reducing the cost of producing biofuels or the types of equipment, machinery, and vehicles that can use biofuels, including activities to achieve the biofuels 25 by 2025 initiative in sections 41A.10, subdivision 2, and 41A.11. new text end

new text begin For the purpose of clause (3), "green economy" includes strategies that reduce carbon emissions, such as utilizing existing buildings and other infrastructure, and utilizing mass transit or otherwise reducing commuting for employees. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Coordinating economic development and environmental policy. new text end

new text begin The commissioner and the Jobs Skills Partnership Board shall cooperate to promote job training that complements green economy business development. 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

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 116J.575, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Priorities.

(a) If applications for grants exceed the available appropriations, grants shall be made for sites that, in the commissioner's judgment, provide the highest return in public benefits for the public costs incurred. "Public benefits" include job creation, bioscience development, environmental benefits to the state and region, efficient use of public transportation, efficient use of existing infrastructure, provision of affordable housing, multiuse development that constitutes community rebuilding rather than single-use development, crime reduction, blight reduction, community stabilization, and property tax base maintenance or improvement. In making this judgment, the commissioner shall give priority to redevelopment projects with one or more of the following characteristics:

(1) the need for redevelopment in conjunction with contamination remediation needs;

(2) the redevelopment project meets current tax increment financing requirements for a redevelopment district and tax increments will contribute to the project;

(3) the redevelopment potential within the municipality;

(4) proximity to public transit if located in the metropolitan area;

(5) redevelopment costs related to expansion of a bioscience business in Minnesota; deleted text begin and deleted text end

(6) multijurisdictional projects that take into account the need for affordable housing, transportation, and environmental impact new text begin ; or new text end

new text begin (7) the project advances or promotes the green economy as defined in section 116J.437 new text end .

(b) The factors in paragraph (a) are not listed in a rank order of priority; rather, the commissioner may weigh each factor, depending upon the facts and circumstances, as the commissioner considers appropriate. The commissioner may consider other factors that affect the net return of public benefits for completion of the redevelopment plan. The commissioner, notwithstanding the listing of priorities and the goal of maximizing the return of public benefits, shall make grants that distribute available money to sites both within and outside of the metropolitan area. Unless sufficient applications are not received for qualifying sites outside of the metropolitan area, at least 50 percent of the money provided as grants must be made for sites located outside of the metropolitan area.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 116J.8731, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Eligible projects.

Assistance must be evaluated on the existence of the following conditions:

(1) creation of new jobs, retention of existing jobs, or improvements in the quality of existing jobs as measured by the wages, skills, or education associated with those jobs;

(2) increase in the tax base;

(3) the project can demonstrate that investment of public dollars induces private funds;

(4) the project can demonstrate an excessive public infrastructure or improvement cost beyond the means of the affected community and private participants in the project;

(5) the project provides higher wage levels to the community or will add value to current workforce skills;

(6) whether assistance is necessary to retain existing business; deleted text begin and deleted text end

(7) whether assistance is necessary to attract out-of-state business new text begin ; and new text end

new text begin (8) the project promotes or advances the green economy as defined in section 116J.437 new text end .

A grant or loan cannot be made based solely on a finding that the conditions in clause (6) or (7) exist. A finding must be made that a condition in clause (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) also exists.

Applications recommended for funding shall be submitted to the commissioner.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 216C.09, is amended to read:

216C.09 COMMISSIONER DUTIES.

(a) The commissioner shall:

(1) manage the department as the central repository within the state government for the collection of data on energy;

(2) prepare and adopt an emergency allocation plan specifying actions to be taken in the event of an impending serious shortage of energy, or a threat to public health, safety, or welfare;

(3) undertake a continuing assessment of trends in the consumption of all forms of energy and analyze the social, economic, and environmental consequences of these trends;

(4) carry out energy conservation measures as specified by the legislature and recommend to the governor and the legislature additional energy policies and conservation measures as required to meet the objectives of sections 216C.05 to 216C.30;

(5) collect and analyze data relating to present and future demands and resources for all sources of energy;

(6) evaluate policies governing the establishment of rates and prices for energy as related to energy conservation, and other goals and policies of sections 216C.05 to 216C.30, and make recommendations for changes in energy pricing policies and rate schedules;

(7) study the impact and relationship of the state energy policies to international, national, and regional energy policies;

(8) design and implement a state program for the conservation of energy; this program shall include but not be limited to, general commercial, industrial, and residential, and transportation areas; such program shall also provide for the evaluation of energy systems as they relate to lighting, heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, building design and operation, and appliance manufacturing and operation;

(9) inform and educate the public about the sources and uses of energy and the ways in which persons can conserve energy;

(10) dispense funds made available for the purpose of research studies and projects of professional and civic orientation, which are related to either energy conservation, resource recovery, or the development of alternative energy technologies which conserve nonrenewable energy resources while creating minimum environmental impact;

(11) charge other governmental departments and agencies involved in energy-related activities with specific information gathering goals and require that those goals be met;

(12) design a comprehensive program for the development of indigenous energy resources. The program shall include, but not be limited to, providing technical, informational, educational, and financial services and materials to persons, businesses, municipalities, and organizations involved in the development of solar, wind, hydropower, peat, fiber fuels, biomass, and other alternative energy resources. The program shall be evaluated by the alternative energy technical activity; and

(13) dispense loans, grants, or other financial aid from money received from litigation or settlement of alleged violations of federal petroleum-pricing regulations made available to the department for that purpose. deleted text begin The commissioner shall adopt rules under chapter 14 for this purpose. deleted text end

(b) Further, the commissioner may participate fully in hearings before the Public Utilities Commission on matters pertaining to rate design, cost allocation, efficient resource utilization, utility conservation investments, small power production, cogeneration, and other rate issues. The commissioner shall support the policies stated in section 216C.05 and shall prepare and defend testimony proposed to encourage energy conservation improvements as defined in section 216B.241.

Sec. 7.

new text begin [216C.145] MICROENERGY LOAN PROGRAM. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section. new text end

new text begin (b) "Small-scale renewable energy" projects include solar thermal water heating, solar electric or photovoltaic equipment, small wind energy conversion systems of less than 250 kW, anaerobic digester gas systems, microhydro systems up to 100 kW, and heating and cooling applications using geothermal energy. new text end

new text begin (c) "Unit of local government" means any home rule charter or statutory city, county, commission, district, authority, or other political subdivision or instrumentality of this state, including a sanitary district, park district, the Metropolitan Council, a port authority, an economic development authority, or a housing and redevelopment authority. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Program established. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of commerce shall develop, implement, and administer a microenergy loan program under this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Loan purposes. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner may issue low-interest, long-term loans to units of local government to finance community-owned or publicly owned small scale renewable energy systems or to provide loans or other aids to small businesses to install small-scale renewable energy systems. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner may participate in loans made by the Housing Finance Agency to residential property owners, private developers, nonprofit organizations, or units of local government under sections 462A.05, subdivisions 14 and 18; and 462A.33 for the construction, purchase, or rehabilitation of residential housing, to facilitate the installation of small-scale renewable energy systems in residential housing and cost-effective energy conservation improvements identified in an energy efficiency audit. The commissioner shall assist the Housing Finance Agency in assessing the technical qualifications of loan applicants. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Technical standards. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall determine technical standards for small-scale renewable energy systems to qualify for loans under this section. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Loan proposals. new text end

new text begin (a) At least once a year, the commissioner shall publish in the State Register a request for proposals from units of local government for a loan under this section. Within 45 days after the deadline for receipt of proposals, the commissioner shall select proposals based on the following criteria: new text end

new text begin (1) the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the renewable technology to be installed under the proposal; new text end

new text begin (2) the extent to which the proposal effectively integrates with the conservation and energy efficiency programs of the energy utilities serving the proposer; new text end

new text begin (3) the total life cycle energy use and greenhouse gas emissions reductions per dollar of installed cost; new text end

new text begin (4) the diversity of the renewable energy technology installed under the proposal; new text end

new text begin (5) the geographic distribution of projects throughout the state; new text end

new text begin (6) the percentage of total project cost requested; new text end

new text begin (7) the proposed security for payback of the loan; and new text end

new text begin (8) other criteria the commissioner may determine to be necessary and appropriate. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Loan terms. new text end

new text begin A loan under this section must be issued at the lowest interest rate required to recover principal and interest plus the costs of issuing the loan, and must be for a minimum of 15 years, unless the commissioner determines that a shorter loan period of no less than ten years is necessary and feasible. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Account. new text end

new text begin A microenergy loan account is established in the state treasury. Money in the account consists of the proceeds of revenue bonds issued under section 216C.146, interest and other earnings on money in the account, money received in repayment of loans from the account, legislative appropriations, and money from any other source credited to the account. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Appropriation. new text end

new text begin Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of commerce to make microenergy loans under this section and to the commissioner of finance to pay debt service and other costs under section 216C.146. Payment of debt service costs and funding reserves take priority over use of money in the account for any other purpose. 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

Sec. 8.

new text begin [216C.146] MICROENERGY LOAN REVENUE BONDS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Bonding authority; definition. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of finance, if requested by the commissioner of commerce, shall sell and issue state revenue bonds for the following purposes: new text end

new text begin (1) to make microenergy loans under section 216C.145; new text end

new text begin (2) to pay the costs of issuance, debt service, and bond insurance or other credit enhancements, and to fund reserves; and new text end

new text begin (3) to refund bonds issued under this section. new text end

new text begin (b) The aggregate principal amount of bonds for the purposes of paragraph (a), clause (1), that may be outstanding at any time may not exceed $20,000,000; the principal amount of bonds that may be issued for the purposes of paragraph (a), clauses (2) and (3), is not limited. new text end

new text begin (c) For the purpose of this section, "commissioner" means the commissioner of finance. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Procedure. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may sell and issue the bonds on the terms and conditions the commissioner determines to be in the best interests of the state. The bonds may be sold at public or private sale. The commissioner may enter into any agreements or pledges the commissioner determines necessary or useful to sell the bonds that are not inconsistent with section 216C.145. Sections 16A.672 to 16A.675 apply to the bonds. The proceeds of the bonds issued under this section must be credited to the microenergy loan account created under section 216C.145. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Revenue sources. new text end

new text begin The debt service on the bonds is payable only from the following sources: new text end

new text begin (1) revenue credited to the microenergy loan account from the sources identified in section 216C.145 or from any other source; and new text end

new text begin (2) other revenues pledged to the payment of the bonds. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Refunding bonds. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may issue bonds to refund outstanding bonds issued under subdivision 1, including the payment of any redemption premiums on the bonds and any interest accrued or to accrue to the first redemption date after delivery of the refunding bonds. The proceeds of the refunding bonds may, at the discretion of the commissioner, be applied to the purchases or payment at maturity of the bonds to be refunded, or the redemption of the outstanding bonds on the first redemption date after delivery of the refunding bonds and may, until so used, be placed in escrow to be applied to the purchase, retirement, or redemption. Refunding bonds issued under this subdivision must be issued and secured in the manner provided by the commissioner. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Not a general or moral obligation. new text end

new text begin Bonds issued under this section are not public debt, and the full faith, credit, and taxing powers of the state are not pledged for their payment. The bonds may not be paid, directly in whole or in part from a tax of statewide application on any class of property, income, transaction, or privilege. Payment of the bonds is limited to the revenues explicitly authorized to be pledged under this section. The state neither makes nor has a moral obligation to pay the bonds if the pledged revenues and other legal security for them is insufficient. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Trustee. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may contract with and appoint a trustee for bond holders. The trustee has the powers and authority vested in it by the commissioner under the bond and trust indentures. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Pledges. new text end

new text begin A pledge made by the commissioner is valid and binding from the time the pledge is made. The money or property pledged and later received by the commissioner is immediately subject to the lien of the pledge without any physical delivery of the property or money or further act, and the lien of the pledge is valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the commissioner, whether or not those parties have notice of the lien or pledge. Neither the order nor any other instrument by which a pledge is created need be recorded. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Bonds; purchase and cancellation. new text end

new text begin The commissioner, subject to agreements with bondholders that may then exist, may, out of any money available for the purpose, purchase bonds of the commissioner at a price not exceeding (1) if the bonds are then redeemable, the redemption price then applicable plus accrued interest to the next interest payment date thereon, or (2) if the bonds are not redeemable, the redemption price applicable on the first date after the purchase upon which the bonds become subject to redemption plus accrued interest to that date. new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin State pledge against impairment of contracts. new text end

new text begin The state pledges and agrees with the holders of any bonds that the state will not limit or alter the rights vested in the commissioner to fulfill the terms of any agreements made with the bondholders, or in any way impair the rights and remedies of the holders until the bonds, together with interest on them, with interest on any unpaid installments of interest, and all costs and expenses in connection with any action or proceeding by or on behalf of the bondholders, are fully met and discharged. The commissioner may include this pledge and agreement of the state in any agreement with the holders of bonds issued under this section. 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

Sec. 9.

new text begin [216C.42] DEFINITIONS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Scope. new text end

new text begin For the purpose of this section and section 216C.43, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Energy improvement project. new text end

new text begin "Energy improvement project" means a project to improve energy efficiency in a building or facility, including the design, acquisition, installation, construction, and commissioning of equipment or improvements to a building or facility, and training of building or facility staff necessary to properly operate and maintain the equipment or improvements. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Energy project study. new text end

new text begin "Energy project study" means a technical and financial study of one or more energy improvement projects, including: new text end

new text begin (1) an analysis of historical energy consumption and cost data; new text end

new text begin (2) a description of existing equipment, structural elements, operating characteristics, and other conditions affecting energy use; new text end

new text begin (3) a description of the proposed energy improvement projects; new text end

new text begin (4) a detailed budget for the proposed project; new text end

new text begin (5) calculations sufficient to demonstrate the expected energy savings; and new text end

new text begin (6) if a geothermal energy improvement, whether the project is calculated to produce savings in terms of nongeothermal energy and costs. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Financing agreement. new text end

new text begin "Financing agreement" means a tax-exempt lease-purchase agreement entered into by a local government and a financial institution under a standard project financing agreement offered under section 216C.43, subdivision 6. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Local government. new text end

new text begin "Local government" means a Minnesota county, statutory or home rule charter city, town, school district, park district, or any combination of those units operating under an agreement to exercise powers jointly. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Program. new text end

new text begin "Program" means the energy improvement financing program for local governments authorized by section 216C.43. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Supplemental cash flow agreement. new text end

new text begin "Supplemental cash flow agreement" means an agreement by the commissioner to lend funds to a local government up to an amount necessary to ensure that the cumulative payments made by the local government under a financing agreement minus the amount loaned by the commissioner do not exceed the actual energy and operating cost savings attributable to the energy improvement project for the term of the supplemental cash flow agreement. new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin [216C.43] ENERGY IMPROVEMENT FINANCING PROGRAM FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Commissioner's authority and duties; local government authority. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall administer this section. A local government may enter into contracts for the purposes of this section with the commissioner, the primary contractor, other contracted technical service providers, and participating financial institutions. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Program eligibility; voluntary program participation; targeted technical services. new text end

new text begin A local government may elect to participate in the program. The commissioner may prioritize and target technical services offered under subdivision 4 to local governments that the commissioner determines offer the greatest potential for cost-effective energy improvement projects. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Primary contractor for technical, financial, and program management services. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may enter into a contract for the delivery of technical services, financial management, marketing, and administrative services necessary for implementation of the program. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Targeted technical services. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall offer technical services to targeted local governments to conduct energy project studies. The commissioner may contract with one or more qualified technical service providers to conduct energy project studies for targeted local governments. The commissioner may require full or partial reimbursement of costs for technical services provided to a local government, subject to terms and conditions specified and agreed to by contract before the delivery of technical services. A local government may independently procure technical services to conduct an energy project study, but the energy project study must be reviewed and approved by the commissioner to qualify an energy improvement project for a financing agreement under subdivision 6 or a supplemental cash flow agreement under subdivision 7. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Participation of technical service providers statewide. new text end

new text begin Program activities must be implemented to encourage statewide participation of engineers, architects, energy auditors, contractors, and other technical service providers. The commissioner may provide training on energy project study requirements and procedures to technical service providers. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Standard project financing agreement. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall solicit proposals from private financial institutions and may enter into a standard project financing agreement with one or more financial institutions. A standard project financing agreement must specify terms and conditions uniformly available to all participating public entities for financing to implement energy improvement projects under this section. A local government may choose to finance an energy improvement project by means other than a standard project financing agreement, but a supplemental cash flow agreement under subdivision 7 must not be offered unless the commissioner determines that the other financing means creates no greater potential obligation under a supplemental cash flow agreement than would be created through a standard project financing agreement. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Supplemental cash flow agreement. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner may offer a supplemental cash flow agreement to a participating local government for qualifying energy improvement projects. The term of a supplemental cash flow agreement may not exceed 15 years. Terms and conditions of a supplemental cash flow agreement must be agreed to by contract prior to a local government entering into a financing agreement. new text end

new text begin (b) A supplemental cash flow agreement must include, but is not limited to: new text end

new text begin (1) specification of methods and procedures to measure and verify energy cost savings; new text end

new text begin (2) obligations of the local government to operate and maintain the energy improvements; new text end

new text begin (3) procedures to modify the supplemental cash flow agreement if the local government modifies operating characteristics of its building or facility in a manner that adversely affects energy cost savings; new text end

new text begin (4) interest charged on the loan, which may not exceed the interest on the related financial agreement; and new text end

new text begin (5) procedures for resolution of disputes. new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner must limit aggregate exposure to liability for payments under existing supplemental cash flow agreements to an amount no more than the appropriation available to make those payments. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Qualifying energy improvement projects. new text end

new text begin A local government may submit to the commissioner, on a form prescribed by the commissioner, an application for a financing agreement authorization and supplemental cash flow agreement for energy improvement projects. The commissioner shall approve an energy improvement project for a supplemental cash flow agreement and authorize eligibility for a financing agreement if the commissioner determines that: new text end

new text begin (1) the application has been approved by the governing body or agency head of the local government; new text end

new text begin (2) the project is technically and economically feasible; new text end

new text begin (3) the local government has made adequate provision for the operation and maintenance of the project; new text end

new text begin (4) the project proposer has fully explored the use of conservation investment plan opportunities under section 216B.241 with the utilities providing gas and electric service to the project; new text end

new text begin (5) the project is calculated to result in a positive cash flow in each year the financing agreement is in effect; and new text end

new text begin (6) adequate money will be available to the commissioner to fulfill the supplemental cash flow agreement. new text end

new text begin Energy improvement projects under this section are not subject to section 123B.71. new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Program costs. new text end

new text begin Program costs incurred by the commissioner or a public entity that are not direct costs to implement energy improvement projects may be paid with program money appropriated under subdivision 10. new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Funding; appropriation; receipts. new text end

new text begin Petroleum violation escrow funds appropriated to the commissioner by Laws 1988, chapter 686, article 1, section 38, for state energy loan programs for schools, hospitals, and public buildings, and reappropriated by Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 2, section 30, are appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes of this section and are available until spent. The commissioner may transfer up to $1,000,000 of this appropriation to the commissioner of administration for the purposes of section 16B.322. new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin CIP energy savings goals. new text end

new text begin A utility or association may count toward its energy savings goals under section 216B.241, subdivision 1c, the energy savings resulting from its investment in an energy improvement project. new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin Beginning January 15, 2009, and each year thereafter, the commissioner shall submit to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house committees on energy finance a report containing, at a minimum, the following information regarding projects implemented under this section: new text end

new text begin (1) the total number of projects; new text end

new text begin (2) the amount of calculated and, if available, actual energy savings for each project; new text end

new text begin (3) the cost of each project; and new text end

new text begin (4) the total amount paid for technical services provided under subdivision 4 for each project. new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 471.345, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

Energy efficiency projects.

The following definitions apply to this subdivision.

(a) "Energy conservation measure" means a training program or facility alteration designed to reduce energy consumption or operating costs and includes:

(1) insulation of the building structure and systems within the building;

(2) storm windows and doors, caulking or weatherstripping, multiglazed windows and doors, heat absorbing or heat reflective glazed and coated window and door systems, additional glazing, reductions in glass area, and other window and door system modifications that reduce energy consumption;

(3) automatic energy control systems;

(4) heating, ventilating, or air conditioning system modifications or replacements;

(5) replacement or modifications of lighting fixtures to increase the energy efficiency of the lighting system without increasing the overall illumination of a facility, unless an increase in illumination is necessary to conform to the applicable state or local building code for the lighting system after the proposed modifications are made;

(6) energy recovery systems;

(7) cogeneration systems that produce steam or forms of energy such as heat, as well as electricity, for use primarily within a building or complex of buildings;

(8) energy conservation measures that provide long-term operating cost reductions.

(b) "Guaranteed energy savings contract" means a contract for the evaluation and recommendations of energy conservation measures, and for one or more energy conservation measures. The contract must provide that all payments, except obligations on termination of the contract before its expiration, are to be made over time, but not to exceed deleted text begin 15 deleted text end new text begin 20 new text end years from the date of final installation, and the savings are guaranteed to the extent necessary to make payments for the systems.

(c) "Qualified provider" means a person or business experienced in the design, implementation, and installation of energy conservation measures. A qualified provider to whom the contract is awarded shall give a sufficient bond to the municipality for its faithful performance.

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a municipality may enter into a guaranteed energy savings contract with a qualified provider to significantly reduce energy or operating costs.

Before entering into a contract under this subdivision, the municipality shall provide published notice of the meeting in which it proposes to award the contract, the names of the parties to the proposed contract, and the contract's purpose.

Before installation of equipment, modification, or remodeling, the qualified provider shall first issue a report, summarizing estimates of all costs of installations, modifications, or remodeling, including costs of design, engineering, installation, maintenance, repairs, or debt service, and estimates of the amounts by which energy or operating costs will be reduced.

A guaranteed energy savings contract that includes a written guarantee that savings will meet or exceed the cost of energy conservation measures is not subject to competitive bidding requirements of section 471.345 or other law or city charter. The contract is not subject to section 123B.52.

A municipality may enter into a guaranteed energy savings contract with a qualified provider if, after review of the report, it finds that the amount it would spend on the energy conservation measures recommended in the report is not likely to exceed the amount to be saved in energy and operation costs over deleted text begin 15 deleted text end new text begin 20 new text end years from the date of new text begin final new text end installation if the recommendations in the report were followed, and the qualified provider provides a written guarantee that the energy or operating cost savings will meet or exceed the costs of the system. The guaranteed energy savings contract may provide for payments over a period of time, not to exceed deleted text begin 15 deleted text end new text begin 20 new text end years.

A municipality may enter into an installment payment contract for the purchase and installation of energy conservation measures. The contract must provide for payments of not less than deleted text begin 1/15 deleted text end new text begin 1/20 new text end of the price to be paid within two years from the date of the first operation, and the remaining costs to be paid monthly, not to exceed a deleted text begin 15-year deleted text end new text begin 20-year new text end term from the date of deleted text begin the first operation deleted text end new text begin final acceptance new text end .

A municipality entering into a guaranteed energy savings contract shall provide a copy of the contract and the report from the qualified provider to the commissioner of commerce within 30 days of the effective date of the contract.

Guaranteed energy savings contracts may extend beyond the fiscal year in which they become effective. The municipality shall include in its annual appropriations measure for each later fiscal year any amounts payable under guaranteed energy savings contracts during the year. Failure of a municipality to make such an appropriation does not affect the validity of the guaranteed energy savings contract or the municipality's obligations under the contracts.

Sec. 12.

new text begin REPORT TO COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of commerce must report to the commissioner of education by January 15, 2009, and January 15, 2010, the school districts that have applied for financing under Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.43. The report must indicate the type of project for which each district requested approval, the amount of the loan requested, and whether the project was approved. If the district's project was not approved, the commissioner must report the reason for the lack of approval. This section expires January 16, 2010. new text end

Sec. 13.

new text begin REPORT; GREEN STAR AWARD EXPANSION. new text end

new text begin The Pollution Control Agency and the Office of Energy Security in the Department of Commerce shall, in collaboration with the clean energy resource teams (CERT's), submit a report by February 2, 2009, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees with primary jurisdiction over energy policy that makes recommendations regarding how to expand eligibility to receive the Green Star award, described in Minnesota Statutes, section 114C.25, to include cities and communities that take action to help meet the state's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals established in Minnesota Statutes, section 216H.02, subdivision 1. The report must address, at a minimum, the following issues: new text end

new text begin (1) the criteria for actions cities and communities must take in order to receive a Green Star award; new text end

new text begin (2) what entity or entities would issue the award; new text end

new text begin (3) the length of time during which the award may be displayed; new text end

new text begin (4) existing state financial and technical assistance available to communities and cities to assist them to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; new text end

new text begin (5) sources of additional funding needed to implement the program; and new text end

new text begin (6) any other issues that need to be resolved in order to implement the program. new text end

Sec. 14.

new text begin GREEN ECONOMY REPORT. new text end

new text begin (a) Each state agency, other than the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board or the Office of the Commissioner of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, that administers a loan or grant program must assess those programs to determine their potential to advance or promote the growth of the green economy, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.437. An agency must report on its determination to the commissioner of commerce by September 15, 2008. new text end

new text begin (b) If a program is determined to have significant potential, the agency must develop a plan to integrate program elements appropriate to that program to advance or promote the growth of the green economy in this state. An agency must report on its plan to the commissioner of commerce by November 15, 2008. new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner of commerce, in consultation with the commissioner of employment and economic development, must develop guidelines to be followed by state agencies in complying with this section. new text end

new text begin (d) By January 15, 2009, the commissioner of commerce, in consultation with the commissioner of employment and economic development, must submit a report containing the plans developed under paragraph (b), and any recommended implementing legislation, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house committees with primary jurisdiction over energy, environmental and economic development policy, and finance. new text end

new text begin (e) The commissioner of commerce may contract for services to fulfill the commissioner's duties under this section. 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

Sec. 15.

new text begin GREEN JOBS TASK FORCE. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Task force. new text end

new text begin (a) A Green Jobs Task Force is created to advise and assist the governor and legislature regarding activities to advance the state's economy, and to develop a statewide action plan as provided under subdivision 2. The task force shall be appointed no later than June 30, 2008, and consist of: new text end

new text begin (1) three members of the house of representatives, including one member of the minority party appointed by the speaker; new text end

new text begin (2) three members of the senate appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration, including one member of the minority; new text end

new text begin (3) seven representatives from state agencies and institutions appointed by the governor, including one member from the Office of Energy Security, one member from the Department of Employment and Economic Development, one member from the Job Skills Partnership Board, one member from the University of Minnesota, one member from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, one member from the Pollution Control Agency, and one member from the Department of Natural Resources; new text end

new text begin (4) three public members appointed by the governor, including one member representing the manufacturing industry, one member representing a statewide organization dedicated to commerce, and one member representing the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute; new text end

new text begin (5) four public members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, including one member representing labor, one member representing a statewide environmental organization, one member representing financial institutions or venture capital, and one member from a local economic development authority from greater Minnesota; and new text end

new text begin (6) four public members appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration, including one member from a local economic development authority from the metropolitan area, one member from a statewide organization dedicated to furthering the green economy, one member from a firm currently engaged in green manufacturing, and one local workforce development representative from an area that has experienced significant manufacturing job loss. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of commerce, in cooperation with the commissioner of employment and economic development, shall provide staff support to the task force. The task force may accept outside resources to help support its efforts. new text end

new text begin (c) Each of the legislative appointing authorities must name a cochair of the task force from the legislative members appointed by that authority. new text end

new text begin (d) Public members of the task force must be compensated as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin (a) By January 15, 2009, the task force shall develop and present to the legislature under Minnesota Statutes, section 3.195, and to the governor a statewide action plan to optimize the growth of the green economy. For the purpose of this section, "green economy" has the meaning given it by Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.437. new text end

new text begin (b) The plan must include necessary draft legislation and budget requests and may include administrative actions of governmental entities, collaborative actions, and actions of individuals and individual organizations. The plan must be developed following the analysis described in this paragraph and must be based on the analysis. The analysis must include: new text end

new text begin (1) a market analysis of the business opportunities and needs created by the laws enumerated in paragraph (a), including local, state, national, and international markets; new text end

new text begin (2) an analysis of the labor force needs related to the market analysis opportunities identified in clause (1), including educational, training, and retraining needs; and new text end

new text begin (3) an inventory of the current labor and business assets available to respond to the opportunities identified in clause (1) and the labor needs identified in clause (2). new text end

new text begin The task force shall contract for the analysis required by this paragraph. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin The task force expires June 30, 2009. 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

Sec. 16.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 2, section 30, new text end new text begin is repealed. 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

Presented to the governor May 19, 2008

Signed by the governor May 23, 2008, 12:19 p.m.