This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to establish new evaluation and permitting processes for projects that require large water appropriations, specifically those exceeding 100 million gallons per year or 250,000 gallons per day. It introduces a preapplication evaluation process where potential applicants are encouraged to engage with the commissioner early in the project development phase. The bill mandates that city or county employees notify the commissioner of any contacts regarding such projects, and it outlines the information that the commissioner may request to assess water availability. Additionally, it ensures that communications during this preapplication phase remain nonpublic until a formal application is submitted.

Furthermore, the bill adds provisions for the issuance of water-use permits, emphasizing the need to protect public health and welfare, promote water conservation technologies, and address water use conflicts. It also introduces a requirement for environmental impact statements for the construction or expansion of data centers with significant increases in energy load, designating the Public Utilities Commission as the responsible governmental unit for these assessments. The effective date for all new provisions is set for the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 103G.265, 103G.271, 116D.04