This bill appropriates funds for various environmental and natural resource initiatives in Minnesota for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with specific allocations for programs such as air monitoring, water quality assistance, and environmental health tracking. It establishes a municipal liaison to assist municipalities with water quality standards and permitting processes, and allocates resources to address perfluorochemicals and other environmental health risks, particularly in vulnerable communities. The bill modifies prior appropriations and the disposition of the closed landfill investment fund, ensuring effective utilization of funds for environmental response and compliance, while mandating the commissioner to present a transparent biennial budget to the legislature.

Additionally, the bill extends the availability of certain appropriations for environmental assistance and management programs until June 30, 2027, and reduces the appropriation for enhancing prairies and grasslands from $10 million to $5 million. It introduces amendments regarding grant management, allowing returned grants to be available for two years and exempting certain grants from Department of Administration policies. The bill also maintains the closed landfill investment fund's purpose and appropriates up to $4,500,000 annually for environmental response actions, with an additional $9,000,000 available in emergencies, extending the expiration date for these appropriations to June 30, 2029.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 85.055, 86B.415, 103G.271, 103G.301, 115.01, 115.071, 115.072, 115A.121, 115A.554, 115B.421, 115C.02, 115C.09, 116.03, 116.073, 116.182, 116.92, 168.1295, 446A.07, 473.167, 473.355, 473.5491, 115A.9157
1st Engrossment: 115B.421