The bill amends several provisions related to environmental assessments in Minnesota, specifically focusing on the preparation of environmental assessment worksheets and impact statements. Key changes include the introduction of new criteria for when an environmental assessment worksheet must be prepared. Notably, the bill allows petitions for such assessments to be submitted by either a Minnesota Tribal government or by at least 100 individuals who reside or own property in the state, replacing the previous requirement that only allowed petitions from individuals. Additionally, the responsible governmental unit is now required to make a decision on the need for an environmental assessment worksheet within 15 days of receiving a petition.

Further amendments clarify the responsibilities of the board in establishing rules for environmental reviews, including the identification of necessary permits during the scoping process and the coordination of these reviews with the preparation of environmental impact statements. The bill also updates the language regarding the assessment of costs associated with preparing environmental impact statements, ensuring that the responsible governmental unit can charge the proposer for reasonable costs incurred. Overall, these changes aim to streamline the environmental review process while ensuring adequate assessment of potential environmental impacts.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116D.04, 116D.045