The "Greenhouse Gas Pollution Superfund Act" establishes a cost-recovery program in Minnesota aimed at addressing greenhouse gas emissions. It creates a dedicated account for receiving payments from responsible parties and funding climate change adaptation projects. Key definitions are provided, including "responsible party," "covered greenhouse gas emissions," and "disadvantaged community," with a mandate that at least 40% of disbursements benefit disadvantaged communities. The Pollution Control Agency's commissioner is responsible for determining liability, imposing cost-recovery demands, and disbursing funds for eligible projects. The bill also requires the state auditor to assess costs incurred by the state due to greenhouse gas emissions and report findings every four years.
To enhance accountability, the bill introduces provisions for fiscal audits of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Cost-Recovery Program, classifying these audits as reasonable administrative expenses. Additionally, appropriations from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 are allocated to the Pollution Control Agency and the state auditor to support the implementation of the program, covering staffing, administrative support, and hiring of consultants. This financial backing aims to improve the program's effectiveness in combating greenhouse gas pollution while ensuring transparency in fund management.