1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to environment; eliminating greenhouse gas emissions control;amending 
1.3 	Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 3.8851, subdivision 3; 116J.437, subdivision 
1.4 	1; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 216C.055; 216H.02; 216H.021; 
1.5 	216H.07.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 3.8851, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
1.8 		Subd. 3.Duties. (a) The commission shall continuously evaluate the energy policies 
1.9 	of this state and the degree to which they promote an environmentally and economically 
1.10 	sustainable energy future. The commission shall monitor the state's progress in achieving 
1.11 	its goals to develop renewable sources of electric energy under section 216B.1691, 
1.12 	subdivision 2a, and the progress of energy-related sectors in reducing greenhouse gas 
1.13 	emissions under the state's greenhouse gas emissions-reductions goals established in 
1.14 	section 216H.02, subdivision 1. The commission may review proposed energy legislation 
1.15 	and may recommend legislation. The commission shall when feasible solicit and consider 
1.16 	public testimony regarding the economic, environmental, and social implications of state 
1.17 	energy plans and policies. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary the commission's 
1.18 	evaluations and reviews under this subdivision shall include new and existing technologies 
1.19 	for nuclear power.
1.20 	(b) The commission may study, analyze, hold hearings, and make legislative 
1.21 	recommendations regarding the following issues:
1.22 	(1) the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity;
1.23 	(2) the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;
1.24 	(3) the conservation of energy;
2.1 	(4) alternative energy sources available to replace dwindling fossil fuel and other 
2.2 	nonrenewable fuel sources;
2.3 	(5) the development of renewable energy supplies;
2.4 	(6) the economic development potential associated with issues described in clauses 
2.5 	(1) to (5); and
2.6 	(7) other energy-related subjects the commission finds significant.

2.7 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116J.437, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2.8 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For the purpose of this section, the following terms 
2.9 	have the meanings given.
2.10 	(b) "Green economy" means products, processes, methods, technologies, or services 
2.11 	intended to do one or more of the following:
2.12 	(1) increase the use of energy from renewable sources, including through achieving 
2.13 	the renewable energy standard established in section 216B.1691;
2.14 	(2) achieve the statewide energy-savings goal established in section 216B.2401, 
2.15 	including energy savings achieved by the conservation investment program under section 
2.16 	216B.241;
2.17 	(3) achieve the greenhouse gas emission reduction goals of section 216H.02, 
2.18 	subdivision 1, including through reduction of reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as defined 
2.19 	in section 216H.01, subdivision 2, or mitigation of the mitigate greenhouse gas emissions 
2.20 	through, but not limited to, carbon capture, storage, or sequestration;
2.21 	(4) monitor, protect, restore, and preserve the quality of surface waters, including 
2.22 	actions to further the purposes of the Clean Water Legacy Act as provided in section 
2.23 	114D.10, subdivision 1;
2.24 	(5) expand the use of biofuels, including by expanding the feasibility or reducing the 
2.25 	cost of producing biofuels or the types of equipment, machinery, and vehicles that can 
2.26 	use biofuels, including activities to achieve the biofuels 25 by 2025 initiative in sections 
2.27 	41A.10, subdivision 2, and 41A.11; or
2.28 	(6) increase the use of green chemistry, as defined in section 116.9401.
2.29 	For the purpose of clause (3), "green economy" includes strategies that reduce carbon 
2.30 	emissions, such as utilizing existing buildings and other infrastructure, and utilizing mass 
2.31 	transit or otherwise reducing commuting for employees.

2.32 	Sec. 3.  REPEALER.
 2.33 	Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 216C.055; 216H.02; 216H.021; and 216H.07, are 
2.34 	repealed.