The bill seeks to improve the efficiency of the Wetland Conservation Act and streamline the environmental permitting process in Minnesota. Key provisions include the requirement for the Pollution Control Agency (PCA) to issue separate permits for the construction and operation of certain facilities, modifications to the expedited permitting process, and a mandate that petitioners for environmental assessment worksheets must reside in affected or adjoining counties. The bill also eliminates scoping requirements for environmental assessment worksheets related to projects needing an environmental impact statement and requires the PCA to report on permitting efficiency, including metrics for tier 1 and tier 2 permits. Significant amendments include limiting the number of extensions for determinations under the Wetland Conservation Act and shifting from annual to semiannual reporting on permitting efficiency.

Additionally, the bill establishes an ombudsman for business permitting within the Department of Employment and Economic Development to assist businesses in navigating the permitting process and to facilitate public involvement in environmental assessments. It modifies the expedited permitting process to allow applicants to request expedited services at their own cost and revises requirements for environmental impact statements. The bill also mandates the Environmental Quality Board to amend its rules to eliminate the requirement for an environmental assessment worksheet for projects requiring a mandatory environmental impact statement. Overall, the legislation aims to foster economic growth while ensuring environmental protection through a more efficient and transparent permitting process.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 15.99, 116.03, 116.07, 116D.04, 116J.035