This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to establish a moratorium on issuing permits for nonferrous sulfide ore mining unless specific conditions are met. It requires that both the commissioner and the commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency determine, based on peer-reviewed scientific information, that a similar mine has operated commercially for at least ten years without causing environmental harm. The bill also mandates that the applicant demonstrate compliance with these conditions and allows for public comment and contested case hearings if evidence contradicts the proposed determinations. Additionally, it introduces a requirement for permit reissuance every ten years and stipulates that any modifications to existing permits must undergo the same scrutiny as new applications.

Furthermore, the bill amends the powers and duties of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, replacing the term "agency" with "commissioner" in relevant sections. It emphasizes the need for the commissioner to conduct investigations, issue notices, and hold hearings related to water pollution control, including the new provisions for nonferrous sulfide ore mining. The effective date for these changes is set for the day following final enactment, applying to all permits granted, renewed, modified, or amended thereafter.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 93.001, 115.03