This bill seeks to revise environmental and energy regulations specifically for data centers in Minnesota, introducing new provisions that facilitate the permitting process through the Minnesota Business First Stop Program. It amends definitions related to "data center" and "qualified large-scale data center," and establishes new subdivisions for preapplication evaluations concerning water appropriation projects. The legislation mandates public utilities to provide a clean energy and capacity tariff for commercial and industrial customers, allowing them to choose energy from new clean resources while ensuring reliability. Additionally, it emphasizes water conservation, requiring assessments of water availability for projects with significant consumption, and modifies solar energy standards to include qualified large-scale data centers.

The bill also outlines a new fee structure for qualified large-scale data centers based on peak demand, exempting them from contributions to energy conservation plans if they pay the required fee. It establishes an energy and conservation account funded by these fees, targeting low-income energy conservation initiatives. Furthermore, it mandates compliance with sustainable design standards within three years of operation, with penalties for non-compliance, including the repayment of tax exemptions. The bill amends tax law to include qualified large-scale data centers in tax exemption eligibility for specific equipment and software, promoting environmentally responsible practices while streamlining the tax exemption process. The effective date for these changes is set for the day following final enactment, with certain provisions effective for sales and purchases made after June 30, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 103G.265, 103G.271, 216B.02, 216B.1691, 216B.2402, 216B.241, 297A.68, 297A.75