This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance environmental protections, particularly for communities identified as environmental justice areas. It introduces new definitions, including "cumulative impacts," which refers to the combined public health and environmental effects from pollutant exposures, and "environmental justice area," defined by specific demographic criteria such as income levels and racial composition. The bill mandates that when a facility requiring a permit is located within an environmental justice area, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency must conduct a cumulative impacts analysis if certain conditions are met, such as exceeding public health benchmarks or receiving community petitions.

Additionally, the bill establishes requirements for public engagement, including mandatory public meetings in affected areas before permit decisions are made. It stipulates that permits may be denied if they would contribute to adverse cumulative environmental or public health stressors unless a community benefit agreement is reached and a compelling public interest is demonstrated. The legislation also emphasizes the need for robust public and Tribal engagement during the rulemaking process, ensuring that the voices of those in environmental justice areas are heard and considered in environmental decision-making.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116.06, 116.07, 116D.04
1st Engrossment: 116.06, 116.07
1st Engrossment: 116.06, 116.07