The bill amends several sections of the Minnesota Statutes to enhance energy generation redundancy for data centers. It introduces new definitions for "emergency backup generator" and "data center," clarifying the types of equipment and structures involved. The bill also establishes provisions for alternative environmental reviews, allowing for a more efficient process in lieu of traditional environmental impact statements. Additionally, it specifies that a combination of emergency backup generators with a capacity of 50,000 kilowatts or more, which provide power to a data center, will be exempt from certain regulatory requirements.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing exemptions related to energy projects, including the addition of emergency backup generators as a qualifying category. It outlines the effective dates for these changes, which will take effect the day following final enactment. The amendments aim to streamline the permitting process for energy generation related to data centers while ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

Statutes affected:
1st Engrossment: 116D.04, 216B.02, 216B.243, 216I.02, 216I.07, 216I.08