HF 413

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 02/09/2011 08:54am

A bill for an act
relating to environment; repealing state goals for greenhouse gas emission
reductions; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 3.8851, subdivision 3;
116J.437, subdivision 1; 216H.021, subdivision 1; repealing Minnesota Statutes
2010, sections 216C.055; 216H.02; 216H.07.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 3.8851, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Duties.

(a) The commission shall continuously evaluate the energy policies
of this state and the degree to which they promote an environmentally and economically
sustainable energy future. The commission shall monitor the state's progress in achieving
its goals to develop renewable sources of electric energy under section 216B.1691,
subdivision 2a deleted text begin , and the progress of energy-related sectors in reducing greenhouse gas
emissions under the state's greenhouse gas emissions-reductions goals established in
section 216H.02, subdivision 1 deleted text end . The commission may review proposed energy legislation
and may recommend legislation. The commission shall when feasible solicit and consider
public testimony regarding the economic, environmental, and social implications of state
energy plans and policies. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary the commission's
evaluations and reviews under this subdivision shall include new and existing technologies
for nuclear power.

(b) The commission may study, analyze, hold hearings, and make legislative
recommendations regarding the following issues:

(1) the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity;

(2) the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;

(3) the conservation of energy;

(4) alternative energy sources available to replace dwindling fossil fuel and other
nonrenewable fuel sources;

(5) the development of renewable energy supplies;

(6) the economic development potential associated with issues described in clauses
(1) to (5); and

(7) other energy-related subjects the commission finds significant.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116J.437, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For the purpose of this section, the following terms
have the meanings given.

(b) "Green economy" means products, processes, methods, technologies, or services
intended to do one or more of the following:

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

(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;

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

(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;

(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; or

(6) increase the use of green chemistry, as defined in section 116.9401.

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.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 216H.021, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Commissioner to establish reporting system and maintain
inventory.

In order to measure deleted text begin the progress in meeting the goals of section 216H.02,
subdivision 1, and to provide information to develop strategies to achieve those goals deleted text end new text begin
greenhouse gas emissions new text end , the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency shall
establish a system for reporting and maintaining an inventory of greenhouse gas
emissions. The commissioner must consult with the chief information officer of the Office
of Enterprise Technology about system design and operation. Greenhouse gas emissions
include those emissions described in section 216H.01, subdivision 2.

Sec. 4. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 216C.055; 216H.02; and 216H.07, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Sections 1 to 4 are effective the day following final enactment.
new text end