1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to energy; modifying facilities eligible for staging and permitting at 
1.3 	innovative energy project sites;amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 
1.4 	216B.1694, subdivision 3.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 216B.1694, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
1.7 		Subd. 3.Staging and permitting. (a) A Natural gas-fired plant that is located on one 
1.8 	site designated as an innovative energy project site under subdivision 1, clause (3), is 
1.9 	accorded the regulatory incentives granted to an innovative energy project under subdivision 
1.10 	2, clauses (1) to (3), and may exercise the authorities therein.
1.11 	(b) Following issuance of a final state or federal environmental impact statement for an 
1.12 	innovative energy project that was a subject of contested case proceedings before an 
1.13 	administrative law judge:
1.14 	(1) site and route permits and water appropriation approvals for an innovative energy 
1.15 	project must also be deemed valid for a plant meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) 
1.16 	and shall remain valid until the earlierlater of (i) four years from the date the final required 
1.17 	state or federal preconstruction permit is issued or (ii) June 30, 2019 2025; and
1.18 	(2) no air, water, or other permit issued by a state agency that is necessary for constructing 
1.19 	an innovative energy project may be the subject of contested case hearings, notwithstanding 
1.20 	Minnesota Rules, parts 7000.1750 to 7000.2200.