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 removal of the requirement for a petition to be signed by at least 100 individuals for an environmental assessment worksheet to be prepared. Instead, the bill allows for petitions to be submitted by either a Minnesota Tribal government or by not less than 100 individuals who reside or own property in the state. 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 environmental reviews with permit processes. The bill also updates the language regarding the assessment of costs associated with preparing environmental impact statements, allowing the responsible governmental unit to assess reasonable costs to the proposer of a specific action. Overall, these changes aim to streamline the environmental review process while ensuring that significant environmental impacts are adequately assessed.

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