This bill establishes a comprehensive product stewardship program for wind and solar energy infrastructure in Minnesota, requiring producers to implement and finance a statewide initiative for managing discarded materials. Producers must submit an approved stewardship plan before selling these products, detailing collection methods, recycling processes, and performance goals. A stewardship assessment fee will be added to the purchase price of wind and solar infrastructure to fund the program. The legislation also prohibits the sale of solar photovoltaic modules and wind energy conversion systems unless they are part of an approved stewardship plan and imposes a moratorium on the disposal of such infrastructure in landfills.

Additionally, the bill mandates that producers submit annual reports starting October 1, 2027, detailing collection and recycling efforts, educational materials for consumers, and undergo independent financial audits. It classifies trade secret and sales information as nonpublic or private data. The Pollution Control Agency will maintain a public list of compliant and noncompliant producers. Local governments are encouraged to participate in stewardship programs, and an administrative fee will be imposed on stewardship organizations or individual producers to cover implementation costs. Overall, the bill enhances Minnesota's commitment to sustainable management of wind and solar energy infrastructure.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 13.7411, 115A.142