The bill establishes a Lawn and Snow Removal Equipment Electrification Grant Program under the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, aimed at assisting eligible applicants in purchasing electric lawn and snow removal equipment. The program prioritizes grant awards for individuals and small businesses from focus communities, which are defined as areas underserved by clean energy solutions and overburdened by air pollution. The bill outlines the roles of the commissioner, eligible applicants, and operating organizations, and mandates the creation of a community design group to ensure equitable program design and implementation.
Additionally, the bill appropriates $3,500,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2025 to support the program, with funds remaining available until June 30, 2030. It requires the commissioner to develop a transparent process for tracking grant fund usage and estimating pollution reduction, as well as to publish an annual report detailing grant awards and their impact. The program aims to promote public education on the benefits of electrification and engage communities throughout its design and operational phases.