1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to energy; requiring study on cooling capacity of geothermal energy 
1.3 	from municipal wells.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. STUDY; GEOTHERMAL ENERGY FROM MUNICIPAL WELLS.
 1.6 	(a) The Energy Division of the Department of Commerce shall research, study, and 
1.7 	report on the feasibility, cost, and potential revenue and other benefits for municipalities to 
1.8 	harness the cooling capacity of geothermal/hydrothermal energy extracted from municipal 
1.9 	wells through a closed-loop reinjection system. The division shall: 
1.10 	(1) survey the latest relevant information from national laboratories and universities 
1.11 	on exploration, geochemistry, drilling, resource usage and reinjection, and equipment 
1.12 	operation; 
1.13 	(2) consult with the federal Department of Energy regarding feasibility, cost-benefit 
1.14 	assessment, and federal financial assistance for geothermal cooling systems; 
1.15 	(3) specifically investigate the district cooling system presently in use for the 
1.16 	Toronto financial district;
1.17 	(4) examine and determine if any installation and monitoring standards or other 
1.18 	measures are necessary to prevent groundwater contamination or cross contamination; 
1.19 	(5) consider impacts, if any, relative to other power generation sources from 
1.20 	emissions, noise, water use, and land use on natural phenomena, wildlife, and vegetation;
1.21 	(6) consider the impact on the state renewable energy mandate by including 
1.22 	geothermal cooling systems as eligible renewable energy sources; and
1.23 	(7) recommend any needed changes to Minnesota building and energy codes, rules, 
1.24 	and statutory provisions.
2.1 	(b) The commissioner of commerce shall submit a report with conclusions and 
2.2 	recommendations to the legislature by February 1, 2012.

2.3 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.