Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF4423

Introduced
2/28/24  

Caption

Pilot thermal energy network projects provided and governed, administrative rulemaking authorized, and report required.

Impact

Should the bill be enacted, it necessitates the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to conduct rulemaking that will provide a framework for these thermal energy networks. This legislation amends existing statutes to enforce the adoption of innovative resources and to outline the method of approval for utility projects. Impacts are expected to align with the state's climate goals and could yield benefits such as improved public health, job creation in emerging sectors, and reduced energy costs for low-income residents.

Summary

House File 4423 is a legislative proposal aimed at governing the establishment and operation of pilot thermal energy network projects in Minnesota. The bill seeks to initiate these projects as part of broader efforts to enhance energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and drive decarbonization within the state's energy sector. Moreover, it outlines the responsibilities of utilities in filing innovation plans that must incorporate a certain number of pilot projects, focusing on the inclusion of projects in disadvantaged communities, thus promoting environmental justice and equitable development.

Contention

Despite its intentions for innovation and equity, HF4423 has sparked discussions regarding the balance between energy development and regulatory oversight. Some stakeholders express concern that the regulations could impose undue burdens on utilities and that the requirement for pilot projects in disadvantaged communities may stretch resources thin. Opponents argue that while the aims of reducing emissions and promoting energy efficiency are laudable, the viability and resource allocation of such initiatives must be thoroughly evaluated to ensure they do not detract from service reliability or economic feasibility.

Companion Bills

MN SF4760

Similar To Pilot thermal energy network projects authorization

Previously Filed As

MN SF4760

Pilot thermal energy network projects authorization

MN HF3731

Recovering waste heat from wastewater provided.

MN SF3728

Recovering waste heat from waste water provisions

MN A4493

"Emission Reduction Innovation Act"; authorizes gas public utilities to develop and implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

MN S2827

"Emission Reduction Innovation Act"; authorizes gas public utilities to develop and implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

MN HF4177

Climate and energy supplemental budget bill.

MN HB3609

THERMAL ENERGY NETWORKS

MN HF4700

Minnesota Energy Infrastructure Permitting Act established, certificates of need governing provisions modified, conforming and technical changes made, and administrative rulemaking authorized.

MN HF2754

Energy; biennial budget established for Department of Commerce, Public Utilities Commission, and energy, climate, and clean energy activities; energy and utility regulation provisions established and modified; enhanced transportation electrification provided; various clean and renewable energy grant programs established; reports required; and money appropriated.

MN HF2847

Clean transportation standard provided, statewide goals and annual standards established, fees authorized, civil enforcement authority provided, penalties established, implementation directed, rulemaking authorized, data practices provided, and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

MN SF4760

Pilot thermal energy network projects authorization

MN HF2677

Metropolitan Council; greenhouse gas emissions benchmarks required, capacity expansion impact assessment required for projects, climate action plan required as a part of comprehensive plan content, land use study and report to legislature required by the council, and money appropriated.

MN HF748

Project assessment criteria and mitigation activities for vehicle miles traveled requirements amended, and transportation policy goals and greenhouse gas emission targets modified.

MN SF72

Project assessment criteria amendment, miles traveled requirements mitigation activities, and transportation policy goals and gas emissions targets modifications

MN HF273

Student Religious Liberties Act established.

MN SF5099

Trunk highway projects assessments for impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled requirements modifications, technical advisory committee, and appropriation

MN HF4988

Requirements governing assessment of trunk highway projects for impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled modified, technical advisory committee established, and money appropriated.

MN SF2188

Greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals modification