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Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language

CHAPTER 245--H.F.No. 3718

An act

relating to transportation; requiring language that the state will purchase plug-in hybrid electric vehicles when commercially available to be inserted in certain bid documents; creating a task force.

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

Section 1.

new text begin STATE PURCHASING OF PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin (a) As used in sections 2 and 3, "plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)" means a vehicle containing an internal combustion engine that also allows power to be delivered to the drive wheels by a battery-powered electric motor and that meets applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. When connected to the electrical grid via an electrical outlet, the vehicle must be able to recharge its battery. The vehicle must have the ability to travel at least 20 miles, powered substantially by electricity. new text end

new text begin (b) As used in this section, "neighborhood electric vehicle" means an electrically powered motor vehicle that has four wheels and has a speed attainable in one mile of at least 20 miles per hour but not more than 25 miles per hour on a paved level surface. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Notice of state procurement policy in bid documents. new text end

new text begin All solicitation documents for the purchase of a passenger automobile, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 168.011, subdivision 7; pickup truck, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 168.011, subdivision 29; or van, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 168.011, subdivision 28, issued under the jurisdiction of the Department of Administration after June 30, 2006, must contain the following language: "It is the intention of the state of Minnesota to begin purchasing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and neighborhood electric vehicles as soon as they become commercially available, meet the state's performance specifications, and are priced no more than ten percent above the price for comparable gasoline-powered vehicles. It is the intention of the state to purchase plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and neighborhood electric vehicles whenever practicable after these conditions have been met and as fleet needs dictate for at least five years after these conditions have been met. 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. 2.

new text begin PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE RETROFIT PROJECT. new text end

new text begin The automotive engineering program at Minnesota State University - Mankato is strongly encouraged to retrofit two flexible fuel vehicles to also operate as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV's). If the legislature does not appropriate funds for this purpose, the Department of Administration and Minnesota State University - Mankato may accept donations and work cooperatively with nonprofit agencies, higher education institutions, and public agencies to procure vehicles and obtain other necessary funds to conduct the retrofit. 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. 3.

new text begin PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE TASK FORCE. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment; membership. new text end

new text begin The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle task force is established. The task force shall consist of 14 members as follows: new text end

new text begin (1) one representative each from Xcel Energy and Great River Energy; new text end

new text begin (2) one representative each from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; new text end

new text begin (3) the director of the Travel Management Division of the Minnesota Department of Administration, or the director's designee; new text end

new text begin (4) a representative from the University of Minnesota Department of Electrical Engineering; new text end

new text begin (5) one representative each from Minnesota-based manufacturers of electric batteries, automotive parts, and power electronics; new text end

new text begin (6) a representative from an environmental advocacy organization active in electricity issues; new text end

new text begin (7) a representative of United Auto Workers Local 879; new text end

new text begin (8) a representative of the Ford Motor Company; and new text end

new text begin (9) a representative of a Minnesota-based manufacturer of electric vehicles. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Appointment. new text end

new text begin The chairs of the senate and house of representatives committees with primary jurisdiction over energy policy shall jointly appoint the task force members. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Cochairs. new text end

new text begin The task force shall have two cochairs, one appointed by each of the appointing authorities established in subdivision 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Charge. new text end

new text begin (a) The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle task force shall identify barriers to the adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles by state agencies, small and large private fleets, and Minnesota drivers at-large and develop strategies to be implemented over one-, three-, and five-year time frames to overcome those barriers. Included in the analysis should be possible financial incentives to encourage Ford Motor Company to produce plug-in hybrid, flexible-fueled vehicles at its St. Paul plant. new text end

new text begin (b) The task force shall consider and evaluate the data and information presented to it under subdivision 5 in presenting its findings and recommendations. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Data and analysis. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency shall analyze and report to the task force the environmental impacts of purchasing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for the state-owned vehicle fleet and at penetration rates of ten percent, 25 percent, and 50 percent of all motor vehicles registered in this state. The analysis must compare, for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and current fleet vehicles, air emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in width, volatile organic compounds, and carbon dioxide. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Expenses. new text end

new text begin Members of the task force are entitled to reimbursement for expenses under Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 6. Member reimbursements shall be paid for by the commissioner of commerce. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Staff. new text end

new text begin The state agencies represented on the commission shall provide staff support. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin The task force shall present its findings and recommendations in a report to the chairs of the senate and house of representatives committees with primary jurisdiction over energy policy and state government operations by April 1, 2007. new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin The task force expires on June 30, 2008. 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 22, 2006

Signed by the governor May 31, 2006, 10:36 p.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes