Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF1467

Introduced
2/8/23  

Caption

Coordination, effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of environmental review and permitting process for metallic mineral mining projects improved.

Impact

If enacted, HF1467 is expected to significantly impact the way mining projects are regulated in the state. The bill mandates the development of best practices for timely reviews and improved communication among state, federal, Tribal, and local agencies involved in mining projects. This coordination is intended to ensure that all necessary environmental reviews and permits are completed promptly, thereby reducing delays and uncertainties for project proponents. Additionally, the online dashboard enhances public access to information, promoting greater community engagement and awareness regarding mining developments.

Summary

House File 1467 seeks to enhance the coordination, effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of the environmental review and permitting processes for metallic mineral mining projects in Minnesota. This bill introduces several provisions related to environmental assessments, project tracking, and stakeholder engagement to streamline the regulatory framework surrounding mining activities. A key aspect of the bill is the establishment of an online dashboard that consolidates information about mining projects, making it easier for agencies, project proposers, and the public to monitor the progress of environmental reviews and permits.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HF1467. While supporters advocate for the bill as a means to streamline processes and create a more predictable environment for mining operations, critics argue that it could reduce environmental safeguards. Some environmental advocates raise concerns that increasing the efficiency of the permitting process may come at the expense of thorough ecological assessments necessary to protect Minnesota's natural resources. Furthermore, debates may arise over the accessibility of the dashboard and its ability to keep the public adequately informed about ongoing projects and their potential environmental impacts.

Companion Bills

MN SF2119

Similar To Coordination, effectiveness, transparency and accountability of environmental review improvement and permitting process for metallic mineral mining projects

Previously Filed As

MN SF2119

Coordination, effectiveness, transparency and accountability of environmental review improvement and permitting process for metallic mineral mining projects

MN SF876

Metallic mineral mining projects environmental review and permitting process modifications

MN HF291

Coordination, effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of environmental review and permitting process for metallic mineral mining projects.

MN SF570

Permitting efficiency reporting requirements provisions modifications, environmental and resource management permit application process efficiency improvements provisions, Pollution Control Agency permitting provisions modifications, and appropriation

MN HF5011

Wetland Conservation Act determinations efficiency improved, environmental and resource management permit application process improved, Pollution Control Agency required to issue separate permits for construction and operation of certain facilities, other provisions related to environmental review and licensing modified, and money appropriated.

MN HF8

Wetland Conservation Act determination efficiency improved, permitting efficiency reporting requirements modified, permit application process improved, Pollution Control Agency required to issue separate permits, expedited permitting process modified, petitioners required to reside in affected or adjoining counties, local review clarified, state implementation plan modification required, and money appropriated.

MN HB209

Permitting for Mining Needs Act of 2023 This bill expedites the review of mining projects on federal lands and limits judicial review of mining projects. For example, the bill expands the federal permitting and review processes under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for critical minerals. Under the act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service, to the maximum extent practicable, must complete the federal permitting and review processes related to critical mineral mines on federal lands with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. This bill expands this process to include all minerals as defined by the bill, not only critical minerals. The bill also establishes deadlines for completing the review of mining projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. In addition, the bill also expands the meaning of covered projects under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to include (1) certain mineral production projects, and (2) certain actions taken by the Department of Defense. Such projects qualify for expedited environmental review. It also establishes requirements to expedite the review or authorization of certain mineral projects, such as (1) mineral exploration activities with a surface disturbance of no more than five acres of public lands, (2) ancillary mining activities, and (3) uranium projects. Finally, the bill limits judicial review of a permit, license, or approval issued by a lead agency for a mining project by requiring the filing of claims within a certain time period.

MN SB947

Lower Energy Costs Act Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023 TAPP American Resources Act Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act

MN HB1335

TAPP American Resources Act Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act

MN HF2569

Coordinated plans to complete environmental review and other state agency actions provided, and reports required.

Similar Bills

MN SF876

Metallic mineral mining projects environmental review and permitting process modifications

MN SF2119

Coordination, effectiveness, transparency and accountability of environmental review improvement and permitting process for metallic mineral mining projects

CT HB05004

An Act Concerning The Implementation Of Certain Climate Change Measures.

MN HF3080

Certain trunk highway project development transparency requirements modified, including to require a transportation project activity portal; legislative reports modified; and money appropriated.

NY A07686

Enacts the "public renewables transparency act"; relates to the New York power authority's conferral process; requires the conferral report be posted on the authority's website; provides that the authority shall provide an option for stakeholders to submit comments remotely as well, and incorporate feedback from such sessions and written comments into the final draft of the strategic plan; makes related provisions.

MN HF3121

Transparency and community engagement in trunk highway project development established, project scoping and development requirements established, transportation project activity portal required, legislative reports modified, and money appropriated.

MA H1250

To advance health equity

MA H1417

To advance health equity