<div class="xtend"><a id="pl.1.1"></a><var>1.1</var>CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON S.F. No. 3337<br />
         		
         <div class="xtend_ce"><a id="pl.1.2"></a><var>1.2</var>A bill for an act<br />
            		
         </div><a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>relating to energy; creating coordinated process for reducing greenhouse gas <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>emissions; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216H.<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>May 5, 2008<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>The Honorable James P. Metzen<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>President of the Senate<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>The Honorable Margaret Anderson Kelliher<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>Speaker of the House of Representatives<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>We, the undersigned conferees for S.F. No. 3337 report that we have agreed upon <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>the items in dispute and recommend as follows:<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>That the House recede from its amendments and that S.F. No. 3337 be further <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>amended as follows:<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.0.0"></a><div class="xtend_ce"><a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>"<b>ARTICLE 1</b><br />
            		
         </div>
         <div class="xtend_ce"><a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var><b>UTILITIES</b><br />
            		
         </div><br />
         		<a id="bill.1.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 115C.04, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. ~~<b>Agency</b>~~<b> Cost recovery; subrogation.</b> Reasonable and necessary expenses <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>incurred by the agency in taking a corrective action, including costs of investigating <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>a release, administrative and legal expenses, and reimbursement costs described in <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>subdivision 1, paragraph (b), may be recovered in a civil action in district court brought by <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>the attorney general on behalf of the board against a responsible person. The agency's <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>certification of expenses is prima facie evidence that the expenses are reasonable and <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>necessary. If the responsible person has petroleum tank leakage or spill insurance <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>coverage that insures against the liability provided in this section, the ~~agency~~ board is <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.26"></a><var>1.26</var>subrogated to the rights of the responsible person with respect to that insurance coverage, <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.27"></a><var>1.27</var>to the extent of the expenses incurred by the agency and described in this subdivision. <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.28"></a><var>1.28</var>The ~~agency~~ board may request the attorney general to bring an action in district court <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>against the insurer to enforce this subrogation right. Expenses that are recovered under <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>this section must be deposited in the fund.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.2.0"></a><a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 115C.09, subdivision 3h, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3h. <b>Reimbursement; aboveground tanks in bulk plants.</b> (a) As used in <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>this subdivision, "bulk plant" means an aboveground or underground tank facility with a <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>storage capacity of more than 1,100 gallons but less than 1,000,000 gallons that is used to <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>dispense petroleum into cargo tanks for transportation and sale at another location.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) ~~Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter and any rules adopted~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>~~pursuant to this chapter, the board shall reimburse 90 percent of an applicant's cost for bulk~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>~~plant upgrades or closures completed between June 1, 1998, and November 1, 2003, to~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>~~comply with Minnesota Rules, chapter 7151, provided that the board determines the costs~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>~~were incurred and reasonable. The reimbursement may not exceed $10,000 per bulk plant.~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>~~The board may provide reimbursement under this paragraph for work completed after~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>~~November 1, 2003, if the work was contracted for prior to that date and was not completed~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>~~by that date as a result of an unanticipated situation, provided that an application for~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>~~reimbursement under this paragraph, which may be a renewal of an application previously~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>~~denied, is submitted prior to December 31, 2005.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(c)~~ For corrective action at a bulk plant located on what is or was railroad <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>right-of-way, the board shall reimburse 90 percent of total reimbursable costs on the first <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>$40,000 of reimbursable costs and 100 percent of any remaining reimbursable costs when <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>the applicant can document that more than one bulk plant was operated on the same <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>section of right-of-way, as determined by the commissioner of commerce.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 115C.09, is amended by adding a subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3k. <b>PVC piping at residential locations.</b> (a) This subdivision is to assist <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>homeowners who have installed PVC fill piping as part of the heating oil system at their <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>residences. Replacement of the PVC piping with metal piping is intended to avoid the <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>catastrophic release of heating oil, as well as the ensuing cleanup costs, that can occur <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>at residences where the PVC piping fails.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) As used in this subdivision:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) "residential locations" means a storage tank and appurtenances for heating oil <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>that are used to heat a single-family residence; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) "qualified person" means someone who is registered as a contractor under section <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>115C.11 and, as part of their trade or business, installs or repairs nonpressure piping, <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>heating systems, air conditioning systems, or storage tank systems.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or any rules adopted <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>under this chapter, the board shall reimburse a qualified person 90 percent of the cost <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>for replacing PVC fill piping with metal piping at residential locations between May 1, <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>2008, and September 1, 2011, provided that the board determines the costs were incurred <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>and reasonable. The reimbursement may not exceed $250 per residential location. The <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>maximum expenditure from the fund may not exceed $1,500,000.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) A heating oil vendor is not a responsible person for a heating oil spill inside a <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>residential location if the spill was caused solely by the failure of a tank or appurtenance <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>to a tank owned by the homeowner.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.4.0"></a><a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 4. <b>[117.054] COPIES OF APPRAISAL TO LANDOWNER.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A public utility, municipal utility, cooperative electric association, natural gas <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>pipeline or crude oil or petroleum products pipeline company must provide the property <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>owner with a copy of each appraisal it has obtained for a property before presenting <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>a petition under section 117.055 to acquire the property.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2008, and applies to <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>eminent domain proceedings commenced on or after October 1, 2008.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.5.0"></a><a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 216B.16, subdivision 7b, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 7b. <b>Transmission cost adjustment.</b> (a) Notwithstanding any other provision <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>of this chapter, the commission may approve a tariff mechanism for the automatic annual <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>adjustment of charges for the Minnesota jurisdictional costs of: (i) new transmission <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>facilities that have been separately filed and reviewed and approved by the commission <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>under section 
         <statute_ref>216B.243</statute_ref> ~~or~~ are certified as a priority project or deemed to be a priority <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>transmission project under section 
         <statute_ref>216B.2425</statute_ref>; and (ii) charges incurred by a utility that <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>accrue from other transmission owners' regionally planned transmission projects that have <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>been determined by the Midwest Independent System Operator to benefit the utility, as <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>provided for under a federally approved tariff.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Upon filing by a public utility or utilities providing transmission service, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>commission may approve, reject, or modify, after notice and comment, a tariff that:<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) allows the utility to recover on a timely basis the costs net of revenues of <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>facilities approved under section 
         <statute_ref>216B.243</statute_ref> or certified or deemed to be certified under <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>section 
         <statute_ref>216B.2425</statute_ref> or exempt from the requirements of section 216B.243;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) allows the charges incurred by a utility that accrue from other transmission <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>owners' regionally planned transmission projects that have been determined by the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>Midwest Independent System Operator to benefit the utility, as provided for under a <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>federally approved tariff. These charges must be reduced or offset by revenues received <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>by the utility and by amounts the utility charges to other regional transmission owners, to <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>the extent those revenues and charges have not been otherwise offset;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) allows a return on investment at the level approved in the utility's last general <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>rate case, unless a different return is found to be consistent with the public interest;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(3)~~ (4) provides a current return on construction work in progress, provided that <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>recovery from Minnesota retail customers for the allowance for funds used during <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>construction is not sought through any other mechanism;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(4)~~ (5) allows for recovery of other expenses if shown to promote a least-cost project <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>option or is otherwise in the public interest;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(5)~~ (6) allocates project costs appropriately between wholesale and retail customers;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(6)~~ (7) provides a mechanism for recovery above cost, if necessary to improve the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>overall economics of the project or projects or is otherwise in the public interest; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(7)~~ (8) terminates recovery once costs have been fully recovered or have otherwise <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>been reflected in the utility's general rates.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) A public utility may file annual rate adjustments to be applied to customer bills <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>paid under the tariff approved in paragraph (b). In its filing, the public utility shall provide:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) a description of and context for the facilities included for recovery;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) a schedule for implementation of applicable projects;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) the utility's costs for these projects;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) a description of the utility's efforts to ensure the lowest costs to ratepayers for <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>the project; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) calculations to establish that the rate adjustment is consistent with the terms <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>of the tariff established in paragraph (b).<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Upon receiving a filing for a rate adjustment pursuant to the tariff established in <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>paragraph (b), the commission shall approve the annual rate adjustments provided that, <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>after notice and comment, the costs included for recovery through the tariff were or are <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>expected to be prudently incurred and achieve transmission system improvements at the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>lowest feasible and prudent cost to ratepayers.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.6.0"></a><a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 216B.1645, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Commission authority.</b> Upon the petition of a public utility, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.35"></a><var>4.35</var>Public Utilities Commission shall approve or disapprove power purchase contracts, <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>investments, or expenditures entered into or made by the utility to satisfy the wind and <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>biomass mandates contained in sections 
         <statute_ref>216B.169</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>216B.2423</statute_ref>, and 
         <statute_ref>216B.2424</statute_ref>, and to <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>satisfy the renewable energy objectives and standards set forth in section 
         <statute_ref>216B.1691</statute_ref>, <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>including reasonable investments and expenditures made to:<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) transmit the electricity generated from sources developed under those sections <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>that is ultimately used to provide service to the utility's retail customers, including <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>studies necessary to identify new transmission facilities needed to transmit electricity to <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>Minnesota retail customers from generating facilities constructed to satisfy the renewable <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>energy objectives and standards, provided that the costs of the studies have not been <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>recovered previously under existing tariffs and the utility has filed an application for a <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>certificate of need or for certification as a priority project under section 
         <statute_ref>216B.2425</statute_ref> for the <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>new transmission facilities identified in the studies;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) provide storage facilities for renewable energy generation facilities that <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>contribute to the reliability, efficiency, or cost-effectiveness of the renewable facilities; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(2)~~ (3) develop renewable energy sources from the account required in section <br />
         		
         <statute_ref><a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>116C.779
         </statute_ref>.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.7.0"></a><a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 216B.1645, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Cost recovery.</b> The expenses incurred by the utility over the duration of <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>the approved contract or useful life of the investment and expenditures made pursuant <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>to section 
         <statute_ref>116C.779</statute_ref> shall be recoverable from the ratepayers of the utility, to the extent <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>they are not offset by utility revenues attributable to the contracts, investments, or <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>expenditures. Upon petition by a public utility, the commission shall approve or approve <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>as modified a rate schedule providing for the automatic adjustment of charges to recover <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>the expenses or costs approved by the commission under subdivision 1, which, in the case <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>of transmission expenditures, are limited to the portion of actual transmission costs that are <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>directly allocable to the need to transmit power from the renewable sources of energy. The <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>commission may not approve recovery of the costs for that portion of the power generated <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>from sources governed by this section that the utility sells into the wholesale market. <br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.8.0"></a><a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 216B.1645, subdivision 2a, <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2a. <b>Cost recovery for owned renewable facilities.</b> (a) A utility may petition <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>the commission to approve a rate schedule that provides for the automatic adjustment of <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>charges to recover prudently incurred investments, expenses, or costs associated with <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>facilities constructed, owned, or operated by a utility to satisfy the requirements of section <br />
         		
         <statute_ref><a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>216B.1691
         </statute_ref>, provided those facilities were previously approved by the commission under <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>section 216B.2422 or 216B.243, or were determined by the commission to be reasonable <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>and prudent under section 216B.243, subdivision 9. The commission may approve, or <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>approve as modified, a rate schedule that: <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) allows a utility to recover directly from customers on a timely basis the costs of <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>qualifying renewable energy projects, including: <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) return on investment; <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) depreciation; <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) ongoing operation and maintenance costs; <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) taxes; and <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) costs of transmission and other ancillary expenses directly allocable to <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>transmitting electricity generated from a project meeting the specifications of this <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>paragraph; <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) provides a current return on construction work in progress, provided that recovery <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>of these costs from Minnesota ratepayers is not sought through any other mechanism; <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) allows recovery of other expenses incurred that are directly related to a <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>renewable energy project, including expenses for energy storage, provided that the <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>utility demonstrates to the commission's satisfaction that the expenses improve project <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>economics, ensure project implementation, or facilitate coordination with the development <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>of transmission necessary to transport energy produced by the project to market; <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) allocates recoverable costs appropriately between wholesale and retail customers; <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) terminates recovery when costs have been fully recovered or have otherwise <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>been reflected in a utility's rates. <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) A petition filed under this subdivision must include: <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) a description of the facilities for which costs are to be recovered; <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) an implementation schedule for the facilities; <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) the utility's costs for the facilities; <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) a description of the utility's efforts to ensure that costs of the facilities are <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>reasonable and were prudently incurred; and <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) a description of the benefits of the project in promoting the development of <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>renewable energy in a manner consistent with this chapter.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.9.0"></a><a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 216B.241, is amended by adding <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>a subdivision to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.34"></a><var>6.34</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 5a. <b>Qualifying solar energy project.</b> (a) A utility or association may include <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.35"></a><var>6.35</var>in its conservation plan programs for the installation of qualifying solar energy projects as <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>defined by section 216B.2411 to the extent of the spending allowed for generation projects <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>by section 216B.2411. The cost-effectiveness of a qualifying solar energy project may <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>be determined by a different standard than for other energy conservation improvements <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>under this section if the commissioner determines it is in the public interest to do so to <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>encourage solar energy projects. Energy savings from qualifying solar energy projects <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>may not be counted toward the minimum energy savings goal of at least one percent <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>for energy conservation improvements required under subdivision 1c, but may, if the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>conservation plan is approved:<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) be counted toward energy savings above that minimum percentage; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) be considered when establishing performance incentives under section 216B.241, <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>subdivision 2c.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Qualifying solar energy projects may not be considered when establishing <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>demand-side management targets under sections 216B.2422, 216B.243, or any other <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>section of this chapter.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.10.0"></a><a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 216B.2411, subdivision 1, <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Generation projects.</b> (a) Any municipality or rural electric <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>association providing electric service and subject to section 
         <statute_ref>216B.241</statute_ref> ~~that is meeting the~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>~~objectives under section~~ 
         <statute_ref>~~216B.1691~~</statute_ref> may, and each public utility may, use five percent <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>of the total amount to be spent on energy conservation improvements under section <br />
         		
         <statute_ref><a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>216B.241
         </statute_ref>, on: <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) projects in Minnesota to construct an electric generating facility that utilizes <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>eligible renewable energy sources as defined in subdivision 2, such as methane or other <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>combustible gases derived from the processing of plant or animal wastes, biomass fuels <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>such as short-rotation woody or fibrous agricultural crops, or other renewable fuel, as its <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>primary fuel source; ~~or~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) projects in Minnesota to install a distributed generation facility of ten megawatts <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>or less of interconnected capacity that is fueled by natural gas, renewable fuels, or another <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>similarly clean fuel~~.~~; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) projects in Minnesota to install a qualifying solar energy project as defined in <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>subdivision 2.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For public utilities, as defined under section 
         <statute_ref>216B.02, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, projects <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.34"></a><var>7.34</var>under this section must be considered energy conservation improvements as defined in <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.35"></a><var>7.35</var>section 
         <statute_ref>216B.241</statute_ref>. For cooperative electric associations and municipal utilities, projects <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>under this section must be considered load-management activities described in section <br />
         		
         <statute_ref><a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>216B.241, subdivision 1
         </statute_ref>. <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.11.0"></a><a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 216B.2411, subdivision 2, is amended to <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Definitions.</b> (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in this <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>subdivision and section 
         <statute_ref>216B.241, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, have the meanings given them. <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) "Eligible renewable energy sources" means fuels and technologies to generate <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>electricity through the use of any of the resources listed in section 
         <statute_ref>216B.1691, subdivision <br />
            		<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>1
         </statute_ref>, paragraph (a), clause (1), except that ~~the term~~ "biomass" has the meaning provided <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>under paragraph (c), and "solar" must be from a qualified solar energy project as defined in <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>paragraph (d). <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) "Biomass" includes:<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) methane or other combustible gases derived from the processing of plant or <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>animal material;<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) alternative fuels derived from soybean and other agricultural plant oils or animal <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>fats;<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) combustion of barley hulls, corn, soy-based products, or other agricultural <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>products;<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) wood residue from the wood products industry in Minnesota or other wood <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>products such as short-rotation woody or fibrous agricultural crops; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) landfill gas, mixed municipal solid waste, and refuse-derived fuel from mixed <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>municipal solid waste.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) "Qualifying solar energy project" means a qualifying solar thermal project or <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>qualifying solar electric project.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) "Qualifying solar thermal project" means a flat plate or evacuated tube that meets <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>the requirements of section 216C.25 with a fixed orientation that collects the sun's radiant <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>energy and transfers it to a storage medium for distribution as energy to heat or cool air or <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>water, but does not include equipment used to heat water at a residential property (1) for <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>domestic use if less than one-half of the energy used for that purpose is derived from the <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>sun or (2) for use in a hot tub or swimming pool.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) "Qualifying solar electric project" means solar electric equipment that meets the <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var>requirements of section 216C.25 with a total peak generating capacity of 100 kilowatts <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.34"></a><var>8.34</var>or less used for generating electricity primarily for use in a residential property or small <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.35"></a><var>8.35</var>business to reduce the effective electric load for that residence or small business.<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) "Residential property" means the principal residence of a homeowner at the time <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>the solar equipment is placed in service.<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) "Small business" has the meaning given to it in section 645.445.<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.12.0"></a><a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 216B.2424, subdivision 1, is amended to <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Farm-grown closed-loop biomass.</b> (a) For the purposes of this <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>section, "farm-grown closed-loop biomass" means ~~biomass, as defined in section~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var><statute_ref>~~216C.051, subdivision 7~~</statute_ref> herbaceous crops, trees, agricultural waste, and aquatic plant <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>matter that is used to generate electricity, but does not include mixed municipal solid <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>waste, as defined in section 115A.03, and that:<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) is intentionally cultivated, harvested, and prepared for use, in whole or in part, <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>as a fuel for the generation of electricity;<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) when combusted, releases an amount of carbon dioxide that is less than or <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>approximately equal to the carbon dioxide absorbed by the biomass fuel during its <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>growing cycle; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) is fired in a new or substantially retrofitted electric generating facility that is:<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) located within 400 miles of the site of the biomass production; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) designed to use biomass to meet at least 75 percent of its fuel requirements.<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The legislature finds that the negative environmental impacts within 400 miles <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>of the facility resulting from transporting and combusting the biomass are offset in that <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.22"></a><var>9.22</var>region by the environmental benefits to air, soil, and water of the biomass production.<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.23"></a><var>9.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Among the biomass fuel sources that meet the requirements of paragraph (a), <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var>clauses (1) and (2), are poplar, aspen, willow, switch grass, sorghum, alfalfa, cultivated <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>prairie grass, and sustainably managed woody biomass.<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) For the purpose of this section, "sustainably managed woody biomass" means:<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) brush, trees, and other biomass harvested from within designated utility, railroad, <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>and road rights-of-way;<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) upland and lowland brush harvested from lands incorporated into brushland <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>habitat management activities of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources;<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) upland and lowland brush harvested from lands managed in accordance with <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.32"></a><var>9.32</var>Minnesota Department of Natural Resources "Best Management Practices for Managing <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.33"></a><var>9.33</var>Brushlands";<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.34"></a><var>9.34</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) logging slash or waste wood that is created by harvest, by precommercial <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.35"></a><var>9.35</var>timber stand improvement to meet silvicultural objectives, or by fire, disease, or insect <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>control treatments, and that is managed in compliance with the Minnesota Forest <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var>Resources Council's "Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary Site-Level Forest <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var>Management Guidelines for Landowners, Loggers and Resource Managers" as modified <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>by the requirement of this subdivision; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) trees or parts of trees that do not meet the utilization standards for pulpwood, <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>posts, bolts, or sawtimber as described in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var>Division of Forestry Timber Sales Manual, 1998, as amended as of May 1, 2005, and the <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var>Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Timber Scaling Manual, 1981, as amended <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>as of May 1, 2005, except as provided in paragraph (a), clause (1), and this paragraph, <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>clauses (1) to (3).<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.13.0"></a><a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 216B.243, is amended by adding a <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>subdivision to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 9. <b>Renewable energy standard facilities.</b> The requirements of this section <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>do not apply to a wind energy conversion system or a solar electric generation facility that <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.15"></a><var>10.15</var>is intended to be used to meet or exceed the obligations of section 216B.1691; provided <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.16"></a><var>10.16</var>that, after notice and comment, the commission determines that the facility is a reasonable <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var>and prudent approach to meeting a utility's obligations under that section. When making <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>this determination, the commission may consider the size of the facility relative to a <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var>utility's total need for renewable resources and alternative approaches for supplying <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>the renewable energy to be supplied by the proposed facility, and must consider the <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>facility's ability to promote economic development, as required under section 216B.1691, <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var>subdivision 9, maintain electric system reliability and consider impacts on ratepayers, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var>other criteria as the commission may determine are relevant.<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.14.0"></a><a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 216C.051, as amended by Laws 2007, <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>chapter 57, article 2, sections 24 and 25, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var><b>216C.051 LEGISLATIVE </b>~~<b>ELECTRIC</b>~~<b> ENERGY </b>~~<b>TASK FORCE</b>~~<b> </b><br />
         		<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var><b>COMMISSION</b><b>.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Establishment.</b> (a) There is established a Legislative ~~Electric~~ Energy <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var>~~Task Force~~ Commission to study ~~future electric energy sources and costs~~ and to make <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>recommendations for legislation ~~for an environmentally and economically sustainable~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.32"></a><var>10.32</var>~~and advantageous electric energy supply~~ concerning issues related to its duties under <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.33"></a><var>10.33</var>subdivision 3.<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.34"></a><var>10.34</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The ~~task force~~ commission  consists of:<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) ten members of the house of representatives ~~including the chairs of the~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>~~Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Energy Finance and Policy~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var>~~Division and eight members to be appointed by the speaker of the house, four of whom~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>~~must be from the minority caucus~~ appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>four of whom must be from the minority caucus, and including the chair of the committee <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>with primary jurisdiction over energy policy; the chair or another member of each of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>committees with primary jurisdiction over environmental policy, agricultural policy, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var>transportation policy; and a legislator who is a member of the NextGen Energy Board; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(2) ten members of the senate including the chairs of the Environment, Energy~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>~~and Natural Resources Budget Division and Energy, Utilities, Technology and~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>~~Communications committees and eight members to be appointed by the Subcommittee on~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var>~~Committees, four of whom must be from the minority caucus.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)  ten members of the senate to be appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees, <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>four of whom must be from the minority caucus, and including the chair of the committee <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>with primary jurisdiction over energy policy; the chair or another member of each of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>committees with primary jurisdiction over environmental policy, agricultural policy, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var>transportation policy; and a legislator who is a member of the NextGen Energy Board.<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The ~~task force~~ commission may employ full-time and part-time staff, contract <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>for consulting services, and may reimburse the expenses of persons requested to assist <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>it in its duties ~~other than state employees or employees of electric utilities~~. The director <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>of the Legislative Coordinating Commission shall assist the ~~task force~~ commission in <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>administrative matters. The ~~task force~~ commission shall elect cochairs, one member of <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var>the house and one member of the senate from among the committee and subcommittee <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>chairs named to the ~~committee~~ commission. The ~~task force~~ commission members from <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.25"></a><var>11.25</var>the house shall elect the house cochair, and the ~~task force~~ commission members from <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.26"></a><var>11.26</var>the senate shall elect the senate cochair.<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.27"></a><var>11.27</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2a. <b>Subcommittees.</b> The commission may establish subcommittees as <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.28"></a><var>11.28</var>necessary to perform its duties.<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.29"></a><var>11.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. ~~<b>Technical and economic considerations, analyses, and </b>~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.30"></a><var>11.30</var>~~<b>recommendations</b>~~<b> Duties</b><b>.</b> ~~(a) In light of the electric energy guidelines established in~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.31"></a><var>11.31</var>~~subdivision 7 and utility resource plans and competitive bidding dockets before the~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.32"></a><var>11.32</var>~~commission, the task force shall gather information and make recommendations to the~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.33"></a><var>11.33</var>~~legislature regarding potential electric energy resources. The task force may contract~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.34"></a><var>11.34</var>~~with one or more energy policy experts and energy economists to assist it in its analysis.~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.35"></a><var>11.35</var>~~The task force may not contract for service nor employ any person who was involved in~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.36"></a><var>11.36</var>~~any capacity in any portion of any proceeding before the Public Utilities Commission,~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.1"></a><var>12.1</var>~~the administrative law judge, the state Court of Appeals, or the United States Nuclear~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.2"></a><var>12.2</var>~~Regulatory Commission related to the dry cask storage proposal on Prairie Island. The~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.3"></a><var>12.3</var>~~task force must gather information on at least the following electric energy resources, but~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.4"></a><var>12.4</var>~~may expand its inquiry as warranted by the information collected:~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.5"></a><var>12.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(1) wind energy;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.6"></a><var>12.6</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(2) hydrogen as a fuel carrier produced from renewable and fossil fuel resources;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.7"></a><var>12.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(3) biomass;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.8"></a><var>12.8</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(4) decomposition gases produced by solid waste management facilities;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.9"></a><var>12.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(5) solid waste as a direct fuel or refuse-derived fuel; and~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.10"></a><var>12.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(6) clean coal technology.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.11"></a><var>12.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(b) In evaluating these electric energy resources, the task force must consider at~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.12"></a><var>12.12</var>~~least the following:~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.13"></a><var>12.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(1) to the best of forecasting abilities, how much electric generation capacity~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.14"></a><var>12.14</var>~~and demand for electric energy is necessary to maintain a strong economy and a high~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.15"></a><var>12.15</var>~~quality of life in the state over the next 15 to 20 years; how is this demand level affected~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.16"></a><var>12.16</var>~~by achievement of the maximum reasonably feasible and cost-effective demand-side~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.17"></a><var>12.17</var>~~management and generation and distribution efficiencies;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.18"></a><var>12.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(2) what alternative forms of energy can provide a stable supply of energy and are~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.19"></a><var>12.19</var>~~producible and sustainable in the state and at what cost;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.20"></a><var>12.20</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(3) what are the costs to the state and ratepayers to ensure that new electric energy~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.21"></a><var>12.21</var>~~generation utilizes less environmentally damaging sources; how do those costs change~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.22"></a><var>12.22</var>~~as the time frame for development and implementation of new generation sources is~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.23"></a><var>12.23</var>~~compressed;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.24"></a><var>12.24</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(4) what are the implications for delivery systems for energy produced in areas of~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.25"></a><var>12.25</var>~~the state that do not now have high-volume transmission capability; are new transmission~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.26"></a><var>12.26</var>~~technologies being developed that can address some of the concerns with transmission; can~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.27"></a><var>12.27</var>~~a more dispersed electric generation system lessen the need for long-distance transmission;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.28"></a><var>12.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(5) what are the actual costs and benefits of purchasing electricity and fuel to~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.29"></a><var>12.29</var>~~generate electricity from outside the state; what are the present costs to the state's economy~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.30"></a><var>12.30</var>~~of exporting a large percentage of the state's energy dollars and what is the future~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.31"></a><var>12.31</var>~~economic impact of continuing to do so;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.32"></a><var>12.32</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(6) are there benefits to be had from a large immediate investment in quickly~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.33"></a><var>12.33</var>~~implementing alternative electric energy sources in terms of developing an exportable~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.34"></a><var>12.34</var>~~technology and/or commodity; is it feasible to turn around the flow of dollars for energy~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.35"></a><var>12.35</var>~~so that the state imports dollars and exports energy and energy technology; what is a~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.36"></a><var>12.36</var>~~reasonable time frame for the shift if it is possible;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.1"></a><var>13.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(7) are there taxation or regulatory barriers to developing more sustainable and~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.2"></a><var>13.2</var>~~less problematic electric energy generation; what are they specifically and how can they~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.3"></a><var>13.3</var>~~be specifically addressed;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.4"></a><var>13.4</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(8) can an approach be developed that moves quickly to development and~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.5"></a><var>13.5</var>~~implementation of alternative energy sources that can be forgiving of interim failures but~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.6"></a><var>13.6</var>~~that is also sufficiently deliberate to ensure ultimate success on a large scale; and~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.7"></a><var>13.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(9) in what specific ways can the state assist regional energy suppliers to accelerate~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.8"></a><var>13.8</var>~~phasing out energy production processes that produce wastes or emissions that must~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.9"></a><var>13.9</var>~~necessarily be carefully controlled and monitored to minimize adverse effects on the~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.10"></a><var>13.10</var>~~environment and human health and to assist in developing and implementing base load~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.11"></a><var>13.11</var>~~energy production that both prevents or minimizes by its nature adverse environmental~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.12"></a><var>13.12</var>~~and human health effects and utilizes resources that are available or producible in the state.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.13"></a><var>13.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(c) The task force must study issues related to the transportation of spent nuclear~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.14"></a><var>13.14</var>~~fuel from this state to interim or permanent repositories outside this state. The task force~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.15"></a><var>13.15</var>~~must also gather information on at least the following factors, but may expand its inquiry~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.16"></a><var>13.16</var>~~as warranted by the information collected:~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.17"></a><var>13.17</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(1) Minnesota's actual and projected electricity demand;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.18"></a><var>13.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(2) electricity export potential;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.19"></a><var>13.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(3) inventory of energy resources currently used to generate all electricity sold~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.20"></a><var>13.20</var>~~in Minnesota and an analysis of the social, economic, and environmental benefits and~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.21"></a><var>13.21</var>~~burdens associated with each energy resource;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.22"></a><var>13.22</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(4) electricity demand savings from greater efficiency; and~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.23"></a><var>13.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(5) job growth and economic development potential.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.24"></a><var>13.24</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The commission shall continuously evaluate the energy policies of this state and <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.25"></a><var>13.25</var>the degree to which they promote an environmentally and economically sustainable energy <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.26"></a><var>13.26</var>future. The commission shall monitor the state's progress in achieving its goals to develop <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.27"></a><var>13.27</var>renewable sources of electric energy under section 216B.1691, subdivision 2a, and the <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.28"></a><var>13.28</var>progress of energy-related sectors in reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the state's <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.29"></a><var>13.29</var>greenhouse gas emissions-reductions goals established in section 216H.02, subdivision 1. <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.30"></a><var>13.30</var>The commission may review proposed energy legislation and may recommend legislation. <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.31"></a><var>13.31</var>The commission shall when feasible solicit and consider public testimony regarding the <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.32"></a><var>13.32</var>economic, environmental, and social implications of state energy plans and policies. <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.33"></a><var>13.33</var>Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary the commission's evaluations and reviews <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.34"></a><var>13.34</var>under this subdivision shall include new and existing technologies for nuclear power.<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.35"></a><var>13.35</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(d)~~ (b) The commission may study, analyze, hold hearings, and make legislative <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.36"></a><var>13.36</var>recommendations regarding the following issues:<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.1"></a><var>14.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity;<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.2"></a><var>14.2</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.3"></a><var>14.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) the conservation of energy;<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.4"></a><var>14.4</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) alternative energy sources available to replace dwindling fossil fuel and other <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.5"></a><var>14.5</var>nonrenewable fuel sources;<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.6"></a><var>14.6</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) the development of renewable energy supplies;<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.7"></a><var>14.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) the economic development potential associated with issues described in clauses <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.8"></a><var>14.8</var>(1) to (5); and <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.9"></a><var>14.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) other energy-related subjects the commission finds significant.<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.10"></a><var>14.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3a. <b>Nuclear report.</b> The public utility that owns the Prairie Island and <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.11"></a><var>14.11</var>Monticello nuclear generation facilities shall update the reports required under section <br />
         		
         <statute_ref><a id="pl.14.12"></a><var>14.12</var>116C.772, subdivisions 3 to 5
         </statute_ref>, and shall submit those updates periodically to the Public <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.13"></a><var>14.13</var>Utilities Commission with the utility's resource plan filing under section 
         <statute_ref>216B.2422</statute_ref> and to <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.14"></a><var>14.14</var>the ~~task force~~ commission. <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.15"></a><var>14.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~Subd. 4a.~~ ~~<b>Report and recommendations.</b>~~ ~~By January 15, 2005, and every two~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.16"></a><var>14.16</var>~~years thereafter, the task force shall submit a report to the chairs of the committees in~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.17"></a><var>14.17</var>~~the house of representatives and the senate that have responsibility for energy and for~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.18"></a><var>14.18</var>~~environmental and natural resources issues that contains an overview of information~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.19"></a><var>14.19</var>~~gathered and analyses that have been prepared, and specific recommendations, if any, for~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.20"></a><var>14.20</var>~~legislative action that will ensure development and implementation of electric energy~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.21"></a><var>14.21</var>~~policy that will provide the state with adequate, renewable, and economic electric power~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.22"></a><var>14.22</var>~~for the long term. The report shall also identify issues that must be addressed to provide~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.23"></a><var>14.23</var>~~Minnesotans with adequate electricity from in-state renewable energy sources for the~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.24"></a><var>14.24</var>~~long term and export to adjacent states.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.25"></a><var>14.25</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~Subd. 6.~~ ~~<b>Assessment; appropriation.</b>~~ ~~On request by the cochairs of the~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.26"></a><var>14.26</var>~~Legislative Task Force and after approval of the Legislative Coordinating Commission,~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.27"></a><var>14.27</var>~~the commissioner of commerce shall assess from all public utilities, generation and~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.28"></a><var>14.28</var>~~transmission cooperative electric associations, and municipal power agencies providing~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.29"></a><var>14.29</var>~~electric or natural gas services in Minnesota, in addition to assessments made under~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.30"></a><var>14.30</var>~~section~~ 
         <statute_ref>~~216B.62~~</statute_ref>~~, the amount requested for the operation of the task force not to exceed~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.31"></a><var>14.31</var>~~$250,000 in a fiscal year. The amount assessed under this section is appropriated to the~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.32"></a><var>14.32</var>~~director of the Legislative Coordinating Commission for those purposes, and is available~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.33"></a><var>14.33</var>~~until expended. The department shall apportion those costs among all energy utilities in~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.34"></a><var>14.34</var>~~proportion to their respective gross operating revenues from the sale of gas or electric~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.35"></a><var>14.35</var>~~service within the state during the last calendar year. For the purposes of administrative~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.1"></a><var>15.1</var>~~efficiency, the department shall assess energy utilities and issue bills in accordance with~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.2"></a><var>15.2</var>~~the billing and assessment procedures provided in section~~ 
         <statute_ref>~~216B.62~~</statute_ref>~~, to the extent that these~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.3"></a><var>15.3</var>~~procedures do not conflict with this subdivision.~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.4"></a><var>15.4</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~Subd. 7.~~ ~~<b>Guidelines; preferred electric generation sources; definitions.</b>~~ ~~(a) The~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.5"></a><var>15.5</var>~~Legislative Task Force on Electric Energy shall undertake its responsibilities in light of~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.6"></a><var>15.6</var>~~the guidelines specified in this subdivision.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.7"></a><var>15.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(b) The highest priority in electric energy production and consumption is~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.8"></a><var>15.8</var>~~conservation of electric energy and management of demand by all segments of the~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.9"></a><var>15.9</var>~~community.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.10"></a><var>15.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(c) The following energy sources for generating electric power distributed in the~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.11"></a><var>15.11</var>~~state, listed in their descending order of preference, based on minimizing long-term~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.12"></a><var>15.12</var>~~negative environmental, social, and economic burdens imposed by the specific energy~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.13"></a><var>15.13</var>~~sources, are:~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.14"></a><var>15.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(1) wind and solar;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.15"></a><var>15.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(2) biomass and low-head or refurbished hydropower;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.16"></a><var>15.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(3) decomposition gases produced by solid waste management facilities, natural~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.17"></a><var>15.17</var>~~gas-fired cogeneration, and waste materials or byproducts combined with natural gas;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.18"></a><var>15.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(4) natural gas, hydropower that is not low-head or refurbished hydropower, and~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.19"></a><var>15.19</var>~~solid waste as a direct fuel or refuse-derived fuel; and~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.20"></a><var>15.20</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(5) coal and nuclear power.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.21"></a><var>15.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(d) For the purposes of paragraph (c) within each clause, the more efficient an energy~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.22"></a><var>15.22</var>~~source is in generating electricity or the more efficient a technology is that utilizes an~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.23"></a><var>15.23</var>~~energy source, the more preferred it is for use in generating electricity for distribution and~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.24"></a><var>15.24</var>~~consumption in the state.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.25"></a><var>15.25</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(e) For the purposes of paragraph (c), clauses (3) and (4), the use of waste materials~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.26"></a><var>15.26</var>~~and byproducts for generating electric power must be limited to those waste materials~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.27"></a><var>15.27</var>~~and byproducts that are necessarily generated or produced by efficient processes and~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.28"></a><var>15.28</var>~~systems. Preventing and minimizing waste and byproducts are preferred in every situation~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.29"></a><var>15.29</var>~~to relying on the continued generation or production of waste materials and byproducts.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.30"></a><var>15.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(f) For the purposes of this section, "preferred" or "renewable" energy sources are~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.31"></a><var>15.31</var>~~those described in paragraph (c), clauses (1) to (3), and "subordinate" or "traditional"~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.32"></a><var>15.32</var>~~energy sources are those described in paragraph (c), clauses (4) and (5).~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.33"></a><var>15.33</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(g) For the purposes of this section:~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.34"></a><var>15.34</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(1) "biomass" means herbaceous crops, trees, agricultural waste, and aquatic plant~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.35"></a><var>15.35</var>~~matter, excluding mixed municipal solid waste, as defined in section~~ 
         <statute_ref>~~115A.03~~</statute_ref>~~, used to~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.36"></a><var>15.36</var>~~generate electricity; and~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.1"></a><var>16.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(2) "low-head hydropower" means a hydropower facility that has a head of less~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.2"></a><var>16.2</var>~~than 66 feet.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.16.3"></a><var>16.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 8. <b>Subpoena power.</b> The ~~task force~~ commission may issue a subpoena under <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.4"></a><var>16.4</var>section 
         <statute_ref>3.153</statute_ref> to any person for production of information held by that person that is <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.5"></a><var>16.5</var>relevant to the work of the ~~task force~~ commission. <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.6"></a><var>16.6</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~Subd. 8a.~~ ~~<b>Manitoba Hydro information.</b>~~ ~~(a) By January 1, 2008, and each year~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.7"></a><var>16.7</var>~~thereafter, the task force shall request the Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board to provide~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.8"></a><var>16.8</var>~~the following information for each community that is a signatory to the Northern Flood~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.9"></a><var>16.9</var>~~Agreement, including South Indian Lake:~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.16.10"></a><var>16.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(1) median household income and number of residents employed full time and~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.11"></a><var>16.11</var>~~part time;~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.16.12"></a><var>16.12</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(2) the number of outstanding claims filed against Manitoba Hydro by individuals~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.13"></a><var>16.13</var>~~and communities and the number of claims settled by Manitoba Hydro; and~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.16.14"></a><var>16.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(3) the amount of shoreline damaged by flooding and erosion and the amount of~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.15"></a><var>16.15</var>~~shoreline restored and cleaned.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.16.16"></a><var>16.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed as a directive to the government of~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.17"></a><var>16.17</var>~~Canada or the province of Manitoba.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.16.18"></a><var>16.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~(c) For the purposes of this subdivision, "Northern Flood Agreement" means the~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.19"></a><var>16.19</var>~~agreement entered into by the Northern Flood Committee, Incorporated, the Manitoba~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.20"></a><var>16.20</var>~~Hydro-Electric Board, the province of Manitoba, and the government of Canada on~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.21"></a><var>16.21</var>~~December 16, 1977.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.16.22"></a><var>16.22</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~~Subd. 9.~~ ~~<b>Expiration.</b>~~ ~~This section is repealed June 30, 2010.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.16.23"></a><var>16.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 10. <b>Data from state agencies.</b> A state agency shall reply promptly to a <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.24"></a><var>16.24</var>request for data from the commission, subject to the requirements of chapter 13 and <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.25"></a><var>16.25</var>section 15.17.<br />
         		<a id="pl.16.26"></a><var>16.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 11. <b>Assessment; appropriation.</b> (a) Upon request by the cochairs of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.27"></a><var>16.27</var>commission, the commissioner of commerce shall assess the amount requested for the <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.28"></a><var>16.28</var>operation of the commission, not to exceed $250,000 in a fiscal year, from the following <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.29"></a><var>16.29</var>sources:<br />
         		<a id="pl.16.30"></a><var>16.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) all public utilities, municipal utilities, electric cooperative associations, <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.31"></a><var>16.31</var>generation and transmission cooperative electric associations, and municipal power <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.32"></a><var>16.32</var>agencies providing electric or natural gas services in Minnesota; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.16.33"></a><var>16.33</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) all bulk terminals located in this state from which petroleum products and liquid <br />
         		<a id="pl.16.34"></a><var>16.34</var>petroleum gas are dispensed for sale in this state.<br />
         		<a id="pl.17.1"></a><var>17.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The commissioner of commerce shall apportion the assessment amount requested <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.2"></a><var>17.2</var>among the entities in paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (2), in proportion to their respective <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.3"></a><var>17.3</var>gross operating revenues from energy sold within the state during the most recent calendar <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.4"></a><var>17.4</var>year, while ensuring that wholesale and retail sales are not double counted. <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.5"></a><var>17.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The entities in paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (2), must provide information to the <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.6"></a><var>17.6</var>commissioner of commerce to allow for calculation of the assessment.<br />
         		<a id="pl.17.7"></a><var>17.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The assessments under this subdivision are in addition to assessments made <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.8"></a><var>17.8</var>under section 216B.62. The amount assessed under this section is appropriated to the <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.9"></a><var>17.9</var>director of the Legislative Coordinating Commission for the purposes of this section, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.10"></a><var>17.10</var>is available until expended. Utilities selling gas and electric service at retail must be <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.11"></a><var>17.11</var>assessed and billed in accordance with the procedures provided in section 216B.62, to the <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.12"></a><var>17.12</var>extent that these procedures do not conflict with this subdivision.<br />
         		<a id="pl.17.13"></a><var>17.13</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective January 3, 2009.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.15.0"></a><a id="pl.17.14"></a><var>17.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 216E.03, is amended by adding a subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.15"></a><var>17.15</var>to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.17.16"></a><var>17.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3a. <b>Project notice.</b> At least 90 days before filing an application with the <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.17"></a><var>17.17</var>commission, the applicant shall provide notice to each local unit of government within <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.18"></a><var>17.18</var>which a route may be proposed. The notice must describe the proposed project and the <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.19"></a><var>17.19</var>opportunity for a preapplication consultation meeting with local units of government as <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.20"></a><var>17.20</var>provided in subdivision 3b.<br />
         		<a id="pl.17.21"></a><var>17.21</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective September 1, 2008.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.16.0"></a><a id="pl.17.22"></a><var>17.22</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 216E.03, is amended by adding a subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.23"></a><var>17.23</var>to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.17.24"></a><var>17.24</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3b. <b>Preapplication consultation meetings.</b> Within 30 days of receiving a <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.25"></a><var>17.25</var>project notice, local units of government may request the applicant to hold a consultation <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.26"></a><var>17.26</var>meeting with local units of government. Upon receiving notice from a local unit of <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.27"></a><var>17.27</var>government requesting a preapplication consultation meeting, the applicant shall arrange <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.28"></a><var>17.28</var>the meeting at a location chosen by the local units of government. A single public meeting <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.29"></a><var>17.29</var>for which each local government unit requesting a meeting is given notice satisfies the <br />
         		<a id="pl.17.30"></a><var>17.30</var>meeting requirement of this subdivision.<br />
         		<a id="pl.17.31"></a><var>17.31</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.17.0"></a><a id="pl.17.32"></a><var>17.32</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 216E.03, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.18.1"></a><var>18.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 4. ~~<b>Notice of</b>~~<b> Application</b><b> notice</b><b>.</b> Within 15 days after submission of an <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.2"></a><var>18.2</var>application to the commission, the applicant shall publish notice of the application in <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.3"></a><var>18.3</var>a legal newspaper of general circulation in each county in which the site or route is <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.4"></a><var>18.4</var>proposed and send a copy of the application by certified mail to any regional development <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.5"></a><var>18.5</var>commission, county, incorporated municipality, and ~~township~~ town in which any part <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.6"></a><var>18.6</var>of the site or route is proposed. Within the same 15 days, the applicant shall also send <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.7"></a><var>18.7</var>a notice of the submission of the application and description of the proposed project to <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.8"></a><var>18.8</var>each owner whose property is on or adjacent to any of the proposed sites for the power <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.9"></a><var>18.9</var>plant or along any of the proposed routes for the transmission line. The notice ~~shall~~ must <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.10"></a><var>18.10</var>identify a location where a copy of the application can be reviewed. For the purpose <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.11"></a><var>18.11</var>of giving mailed notice under this subdivision, owners ~~shall be~~ are those shown on the <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.12"></a><var>18.12</var>records of the county auditor or, in any county where tax statements are mailed by the <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.13"></a><var>18.13</var>county treasurer, on the records of the county treasurer; but other appropriate records may <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.14"></a><var>18.14</var>be used for this purpose. The failure to give mailed notice to a property owner, or defects <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.15"></a><var>18.15</var>in the notice, ~~shall~~ does not invalidate the proceedings, provided a bona fide attempt to <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.16"></a><var>18.16</var>comply with this subdivision has been made. Within the same 15 days, the applicant shall <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.17"></a><var>18.17</var>also send the same notice of the submission of the application and description of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.18"></a><var>18.18</var>proposed project to those persons who have requested to be placed on a list maintained by <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.19"></a><var>18.19</var>the commission for receiving notice of proposed large electric generating power plants <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.20"></a><var>18.20</var>and high voltage transmission lines.<br />
         		<a id="pl.18.21"></a><var>18.21</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.18.0"></a><a id="pl.18.22"></a><var>18.22</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 18. <b>[216F.012] SIZE ELECTION.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.18.23"></a><var>18.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) A wind energy conversion system of less than 25 megawatts of nameplate <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.24"></a><var>18.24</var>capacity as determined under section 216F.011 is a small wind energy conversion system <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.25"></a><var>18.25</var>if, by July 1, 2009, the owner so elects in writing and submits a completed application for <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.26"></a><var>18.26</var>zoning approval and the written election to the county or counties in which the project is <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.27"></a><var>18.27</var>proposed to be located. The owner must notify the Public Utilities Commission of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.28"></a><var>18.28</var>election at the time the owner submits the election to the county.<br />
         		<a id="pl.18.29"></a><var>18.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a wind energy conversion system with a <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.30"></a><var>18.30</var>nameplate capacity exceeding five megawatts that is proposed to be located wholly or <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.31"></a><var>18.31</var>partially within a wind access buffer adjacent to state lands that are part of the outdoor <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.32"></a><var>18.32</var>recreation system, as enumerated in section 86A.05, is a large wind energy conversion <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.33"></a><var>18.33</var>system. The Department of Natural Resources shall negotiate in good faith with a system <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.34"></a><var>18.34</var>owner regarding siting and may support the system owner in seeking a variance from the <br />
         		<a id="pl.18.35"></a><var>18.35</var>system setback requirements if it determines that a variance is in the public interest.<br />
         		<a id="pl.19.1"></a><var>19.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The public utilities commission shall issue an annual report to the chairs and <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.2"></a><var>19.2</var>ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.3"></a><var>19.3</var>primary jurisdiction over energy policy and natural resource policy regarding any <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.4"></a><var>19.4</var>variances applied for and not granted for systems subject to paragraph (b).<br />
         		<a id="pl.19.5"></a><var>19.5</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.19.0"></a><a id="pl.19.6"></a><var>19.6</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 19. <b>[216F.09] WECS AGGREGATION PROGRAM.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.19.7"></a><var>19.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Program established.</b> The entity selected to provide rural wind <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.8"></a><var>19.8</var>development assistance under Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 2, section 3, subdivision 6, <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.9"></a><var>19.9</var>shall also establish a wind energy conversion system (WECS) aggregation program. The <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.10"></a><var>19.10</var>purpose of the program is to create a clearinghouse to coordinate and arrange umbrella <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.11"></a><var>19.11</var>sales arrangements for groups of individuals, farmstead property owners, farmers' <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.12"></a><var>19.12</var>cooperative associations, community-based energy project developers, school districts, <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.13"></a><var>19.13</var>and other political subdivisions to aggregate small-volume purchases, as a group, in order <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.14"></a><var>19.14</var>to place large orders for wind energy conversion systems with WECS manufacturers.<br />
         		<a id="pl.19.15"></a><var>19.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Responsibilities.</b> The entity shall:<br />
         		<a id="pl.19.16"></a><var>19.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) provide application procedures for participation in the program; <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.17"></a><var>19.17</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) set minimum standards for wind energy conversion systems to be considered for <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.18"></a><var>19.18</var>purchase through the program, which may include price, quality and installation standards, <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.19"></a><var>19.19</var>timely delivery schedules and arrangements, performance and reliability ratings, and any <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.20"></a><var>19.20</var>other factors considered necessary or desirable for participants;<br />
         		<a id="pl.19.21"></a><var>19.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) set eligibility considerations and requirements for purchasers, including <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.22"></a><var>19.22</var>availability to the applicant of land authorized for installation and use of WECS, <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.23"></a><var>19.23</var>likelihood of a permit being approved by the commission or a county under this chapter, <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.24"></a><var>19.24</var>documentation of adequate financing, and other necessary or usual financial or business <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.25"></a><var>19.25</var>practices or requirements; <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.26"></a><var>19.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) provide a minimal framework for soliciting or contacting manufacturers on <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.27"></a><var>19.27</var>behalf of participants; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.19.28"></a><var>19.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) coordinate purchase agreements between the manufacturer and participants.<br />
         		<a id="pl.19.29"></a><var>19.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Report.</b> By February 1 of 2009, and each year thereafter, the commissioner <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.30"></a><var>19.30</var>of commerce shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.31"></a><var>19.31</var>senate and house of representatives committees with primary jurisdiction over energy <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.32"></a><var>19.32</var>policy on the activities and results of the program, including the number of participants <br />
         		<a id="pl.19.33"></a><var>19.33</var>and the number of purchases made.<br />
         		<a id="pl.20.1"></a><var>20.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 4. <b>Assessment; appropriation.</b> Annual costs of the program, up to $100,000, <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.2"></a><var>20.2</var>must be assessed under section 216C.052, subdivision 2, paragraph (c), clause (1). The <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.3"></a><var>20.3</var>assessment is appropriated to the commissioner of commerce to be used by the director <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.4"></a><var>20.4</var>of the Office of Energy Security for a grant to the entity to carry out the purposes of <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.5"></a><var>20.5</var>this section.<br />
         		<a id="pl.20.6"></a><var>20.6</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.20.0"></a><a id="pl.20.7"></a><var>20.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 20. <b>[216H.07] GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION REDUCTION </b><br />
         		<a id="pl.20.8"></a><var>20.8</var><b>ATTAINMENT; POLICY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.20.9"></a><var>20.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b> Definitions.</b> (a) For the purpose of this section, the terms defined in <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.10"></a><var>20.10</var>this subdivision have the meanings given them.<br />
         		<a id="pl.20.11"></a><var>20.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) "Reductions" means the greenhouse gas emissions reductions goals specified in <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.12"></a><var>20.12</var>section 216H.02, subdivision 1.<br />
         		<a id="pl.20.13"></a><var>20.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Purpose.</b> This section is intended to create a nonexclusive, regular, <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.14"></a><var>20.14</var>mandated process for the state to develop policies to attain the greenhouse gas reduction <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.15"></a><var>20.15</var>goals specified in section 216H.02.<br />
         		<a id="pl.20.16"></a><var>20.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Biennial reduction progress report.</b> By January 15 of each odd-numbered <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.17"></a><var>20.17</var>year, the commissioners of commerce and the Pollution Control Agency shall jointly <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.18"></a><var>20.18</var>report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.19"></a><var>20.19</var>primary policy jurisdiction over energy and environmental issues the most recent and best <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.20"></a><var>20.20</var>available evidence identifying the level of reductions already achieved and the level <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.21"></a><var>20.21</var>necessary to achieve the reductions timetable in section 216H.02. The report must be <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.22"></a><var>20.22</var>in easily understood nontechnical terms.<br />
         		<a id="pl.20.23"></a><var>20.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 4. <b>Annual legislative proposal.</b> The commissioners of commerce and the <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.24"></a><var>20.24</var>Pollution Control Agency shall annually by January 15 provide to the chairs of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.25"></a><var>20.25</var>legislative committees with primary policy jurisdiction over energy and environmental <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.26"></a><var>20.26</var>issues proposed legislation the commissioners determine appropriate to achieve the <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.27"></a><var>20.27</var>reductions. The legislation must be based on the principles in subdivision 5. If the <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.28"></a><var>20.28</var>commissioners determine no legislation is appropriate, they shall report that determination <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.29"></a><var>20.29</var>to the chairs along with an explanation of the determination.<br />
         		<a id="pl.20.30"></a><var>20.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 5. <b>Reduction principles.</b> Legislation proposed under subdivision 4 must be <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.31"></a><var>20.31</var>based on the following principles:<br />
         		<a id="pl.20.32"></a><var>20.32</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the greenhouse gas emission reduction goals specified in section 216H.02, <br />
         		<a id="pl.20.33"></a><var>20.33</var>subdivision 1, must be attained;<br />
         		<a id="pl.21.1"></a><var>21.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the reductions must be attained on a schedule that keeps pace with the reduction <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.2"></a><var>21.2</var>timetable required by section 216H.02, subdivision 1;<br />
         		<a id="pl.21.3"></a><var>21.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) conservation, including ceasing some activities, doing some activities less, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.4"></a><var>21.4</var>doing some activities more energy efficiently, is the first choice for reduction;<br />
         		<a id="pl.21.5"></a><var>21.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) public education is a key component;<br />
         		<a id="pl.21.6"></a><var>21.6</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) all levels of government should lead by example; <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.7"></a><var>21.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) strategies that may lead to economic dislocation should be phased in and should <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.8"></a><var>21.8</var>be coupled with strategies that address the dislocation; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.21.9"></a><var>21.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) there must be coordination with other federal and regional greenhouse gas <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.10"></a><var>21.10</var>emission reduction requirements so that the state benefits and is not penalized from its <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.11"></a><var>21.11</var>reduction activities.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.21.0"></a><a id="pl.21.12"></a><var>21.12</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 21. <b>[216H.10] DEFINITIONS.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.21.13"></a><var>21.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Applicability.</b> For purposes of sections 216H.10 to 216H.15, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.14"></a><var>21.14</var>following terms have the meanings given.<br />
         		<a id="pl.21.15"></a><var>21.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Agency.</b> "Agency" means the Pollution Control Agency.<br />
         		<a id="pl.21.16"></a><var>21.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Carbon dioxide equivalent.</b> "Carbon dioxide equivalent" means the <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.17"></a><var>21.17</var>quantity of carbon dioxide that has the same global warming potential as a given amount <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.18"></a><var>21.18</var>of another greenhouse gas.<br />
         		<a id="pl.21.19"></a><var>21.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 4. <b>Commissioner.</b> "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Pollution <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.20"></a><var>21.20</var>Control Agency.<br />
         		<a id="pl.21.21"></a><var>21.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 5. <b>Global warming.</b> "Global warming" means the observed and predicted <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.22"></a><var>21.22</var>increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the earth's surface and the oceans.<br />
         		<a id="pl.21.23"></a><var>21.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 6. <b>Global warming potential or GWP.</b> "Global warming potential" or <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.24"></a><var>21.24</var>"GWP" means a quantitative measure of the potential of an emission of a greenhouse <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.25"></a><var>21.25</var>gas to contribute to global warming over a 100-year period expressed in terms of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.26"></a><var>21.26</var>equivalent emission of carbon dioxide needed to produce the same 100-year warming <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.27"></a><var>21.27</var>effect, as reported in Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007, Intergovernmental <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.28"></a><var>21.28</var>Panel on Climate Change.<br />
         		<a id="pl.21.29"></a><var>21.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 7. <b>High-GWP greenhouse gas.</b> "High-GWP greenhouse gas" means <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.30"></a><var>21.30</var>hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.<br />
         		<a id="pl.21.31"></a><var>21.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 8. <b>Mobile air conditioner.</b> "Mobile air conditioner" means mechanical <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.32"></a><var>21.32</var>vapor compression refrigeration equipment used to cool the passenger compartment of a <br />
         		<a id="pl.21.33"></a><var>21.33</var>motor vehicle.<br />
         		<a id="pl.22.1"></a><var>22.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 9. <b>Motor vehicle.</b> "Motor vehicle" has the meaning given in section 168.011, <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.2"></a><var>22.2</var>subdivision 4.<br />
         		<a id="pl.22.3"></a><var>22.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 10. <b>New motor vehicle.</b> "New motor vehicle" has the meaning given in <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.4"></a><var>22.4</var>section 80E.03, subdivision 7.<br />
         		<a id="pl.22.5"></a><var>22.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 11. <b>Refrigerant.</b> "Refrigerant" means a substance used, sold for use, or <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.6"></a><var>22.6</var>designed and intended for use in a mobile air conditioner to transfer heat out of the space <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.7"></a><var>22.7</var>being cooled.<br />
         		<a id="pl.22.8"></a><var>22.8</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.22.0"></a><a id="pl.22.9"></a><var>22.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 22. <b>[216H.11] HIGH-GWP GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.22.10"></a><var>22.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Gas manufacturers.</b> Beginning October 1, 2008, and each year <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.11"></a><var>22.11</var>thereafter, a manufacturer of a high-GWP greenhouse gas must report to the agency the <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.12"></a><var>22.12</var>total amount of each high-GWP greenhouse gas sold to a purchaser in this state during <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.13"></a><var>22.13</var>the previous year.<br />
         		<a id="pl.22.14"></a><var>22.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Purchases.</b> Beginning October 1, 2008, and each year thereafter, a <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.15"></a><var>22.15</var>person in this state who purchases 500 metric tons or more carbon dioxide equivalent <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.16"></a><var>22.16</var>of a high-GWP greenhouse gas must report to the agency, on a form prescribed by the <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.17"></a><var>22.17</var>commissioner, the total amount of each high-GWP greenhouse gas purchased during the <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.18"></a><var>22.18</var>previous year and the purpose for which the gas was used.<br />
         		<a id="pl.22.19"></a><var>22.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Acceptance of federal filing.</b> With the approval of the commissioner, this <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.20"></a><var>22.20</var>section may be satisfied by filing with the commissioner a copy of a greenhouse gas <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.21"></a><var>22.21</var>emissions report filed with a federal agency.<br />
         		<a id="pl.22.22"></a><var>22.22</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.23.0"></a><a id="pl.22.23"></a><var>22.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 23. <b>[216H.12] MOBILE AIR CONDITIONER LEAKAGE RATES; </b><br />
         		<a id="pl.22.24"></a><var>22.24</var><b>DISCLOSURE.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.22.25"></a><var>22.25</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Leakage disclosure.</b> Beginning January 1, 2009, a manufacturer <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.26"></a><var>22.26</var>selling or offering for sale a new motor vehicle in this state containing a mobile air <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.27"></a><var>22.27</var>conditioner that uses the high-GWP greenhouse gas HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.28"></a><var>22.28</var>as a refrigerant must, 90 days prior to the initial sale or offer for sale, report to the <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.29"></a><var>22.29</var>commissioner the leakage rate, in grams of refrigerant per year, for the type of mobile <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.30"></a><var>22.30</var>air conditioner contained in that make, model, and model year. The leakage rate must <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.31"></a><var>22.31</var>be calculated using the information provided in the most recently published version of <br />
         		<a id="pl.22.32"></a><var>22.32</var>the SAE International document J2727, "HFC-134a Mobile Air Conditioning System <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.1"></a><var>23.1</var>Emission Chart." The method by which the leakage rate is calculated, accounting for each <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.2"></a><var>23.2</var>component of the air conditioning unit, must also be reported to the commissioner.<br />
         		<a id="pl.23.3"></a><var>23.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Posting.</b> Beginning January 1, 2009, the agency and the Office of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.4"></a><var>23.4</var>Attorney General must post on their Web sites:<br />
         		<a id="pl.23.5"></a><var>23.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the leakage rate disclosed by a manufacturer under subdivision 1 for each model <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.6"></a><var>23.6</var>and make of new motor vehicle sold or offered for sale in this state; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.23.7"></a><var>23.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the following statement: "Vehicle air conditioning systems may leak refrigerants. <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.8"></a><var>23.8</var>Information provided in the chart compares the potential global warming effects of <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.9"></a><var>23.9</var>refrigerant leakage from different makes and models of vehicles."<br />
         		<a id="pl.23.10"></a><var>23.10</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.24.0"></a><a id="pl.23.11"></a><var>23.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 24. <b>[216H.15] ENFORCEMENT.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.23.12"></a><var>23.12</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sections 216H.10 to 216H.12 may be enforced under section 116.072.<br />
         		<a id="pl.23.13"></a><var>23.13</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.25.0"></a><a id="pl.23.14"></a><var>23.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 500.30, subdivision 2, is <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.15"></a><var>23.15</var>amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.23.16"></a><var>23.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Like any conveyance.</b> Any property owner may grant a solar or wind <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.17"></a><var>23.17</var>easement in the same manner and with the same effect as a conveyance of an interest in <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.18"></a><var>23.18</var>real property. The easements shall be created in writing and shall be filed, duly recorded, <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.19"></a><var>23.19</var>and indexed in the office of the recorder of the county in which the easement is granted. <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.20"></a><var>23.20</var>No duly recorded easement shall be unenforceable on account of lack of privity of estate <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.21"></a><var>23.21</var>or privity of contract; such easements shall run with the land or lands benefited and <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.22"></a><var>23.22</var>burdened and shall constitute a perpetual easement, except that an easement may terminate <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.23"></a><var>23.23</var>upon the conditions stated therein or pursuant to the provisions of section 
         <statute_ref>500.20</statute_ref>. ~~A wind~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.24"></a><var>23.24</var>~~easement, easement to install wind turbines on real property, option, or lease of wind~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.25"></a><var>23.25</var>~~rights shall also terminate after seven years from the date the easement is created or lease~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.26"></a><var>23.26</var>~~is entered into, if a wind energy project on the property to which the easement or lease~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.27"></a><var>23.27</var>~~applies does not begin commercial operation within the seven-year period.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.23.28"></a><var>23.28</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective June 1, 2010.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.26.0"></a><a id="pl.23.29"></a><var>23.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 26. <b>REPORT.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.23.30"></a><var>23.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By February 1, 2009, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency shall <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.31"></a><var>23.31</var>submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of <br />
         		<a id="pl.23.32"></a><var>23.32</var>representatives committees with primary jurisdiction over environmental policy that <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.1"></a><var>24.1</var>identifies the uses and emissions sources of hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.2"></a><var>24.2</var>sulfur hexafluoride in this state and suggests options for reducing or eliminating those <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.3"></a><var>24.3</var>uses and emissions and the costs of implementing those options. The options for reducing <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.4"></a><var>24.4</var>emissions must include phasing out specific consumer products containing high global <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.5"></a><var>24.5</var>warming potential gases where that is cost-effective.<br />
         		<a id="pl.24.6"></a><var>24.6</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.27.0"></a><a id="pl.24.7"></a><var>24.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 27. <b>SOLAR RATING AND CERTIFICATION LABORATORY.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.24.8"></a><var>24.8</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The director of the Office of Energy Security shall convene technical stakeholders <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.9"></a><var>24.9</var>who are expert in the design, manufacture, installation, and operation of solar energy <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.10"></a><var>24.10</var>systems to develop criteria and characteristics for a Minnesota-based solar rating and <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.11"></a><var>24.11</var>certification laboratory. The criteria shall include, but not be limited to, consideration of <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.12"></a><var>24.12</var>durability, cold-weather operations, and indoor air quality. The director shall develop and, <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.13"></a><var>24.13</var>by September 15, 2008, issue a request for proposals for the development of a plan, based <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.14"></a><var>24.14</var>on the criteria and characteristics developed by the stakeholder group, for a solar rating <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.15"></a><var>24.15</var>and certification laboratory in the state, including cost estimates. By January 15, 2009, <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.16"></a><var>24.16</var>the director shall submit a report to the chairs of the house and senate committees with <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.17"></a><var>24.17</var>jurisdiction over energy finance issues, detailing the responses to the request and making <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.18"></a><var>24.18</var>recommendations, including draft legislation.<br />
         		<a id="pl.24.19"></a><var>24.19</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.28.0"></a><a id="pl.24.20"></a><var>24.20</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 28. <b>SIZE ELECTION STAKEHOLDER GROUP.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.24.21"></a><var>24.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) By July 30, 2008, the commissioner of commerce shall convene a Size Election <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.22"></a><var>24.22</var>Stakeholder Group to evaluate the effect of new Minnesota Statutes, section 216F.012, <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.23"></a><var>24.23</var>on the process for obtaining a site permit for wind energy conversion systems with <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.24"></a><var>24.24</var>a combined nameplate capacity between five and 25 megawatts. The Department of <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.25"></a><var>24.25</var>Commerce shall provide staff and administrative support to the group.<br />
         		<a id="pl.24.26"></a><var>24.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The stakeholder group must consist of 13 members, as follows:<br />
         		<a id="pl.24.27"></a><var>24.27</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) two legislators from the house of representatives, one from the majority party <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.28"></a><var>24.28</var>and one from the minority party, appointed by the speaker of the house;<br />
         		<a id="pl.24.29"></a><var>24.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) two legislators from the senate, one from the majority party and one from the <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.30"></a><var>24.30</var>minority party, appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.31"></a><var>24.31</var>Rules and Administration; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.24.32"></a><var>24.32</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) nine members, jointly appointed by the chairs of the senate and house of <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.33"></a><var>24.33</var>representatives committees with primary jurisdiction over energy policy. Four of the nine <br />
         		<a id="pl.24.34"></a><var>24.34</var>members must have experience developing or owning wind energy conversion systems in <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.1"></a><var>25.1</var>Minnesota with a combined nameplate capacity between five and 25 megawatts; one must <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.2"></a><var>25.2</var>represent the Department of Commerce; one must represent the Department of Natural <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.3"></a><var>25.3</var>Resources; one must represent counties or county associations; one must represent a <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.4"></a><var>25.4</var>nonprofit organization with experience in wind energy conversion system development <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.5"></a><var>25.5</var>issues; and one must represent a wildlife conservation organization. The members shall <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.6"></a><var>25.6</var>select one legislator each from the senate and house of representatives to serve as co-chairs <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.7"></a><var>25.7</var>of the stakeholder group.<br />
         		<a id="pl.25.8"></a><var>25.8</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The stakeholder group shall collect and analyze data regarding site permits for <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.9"></a><var>25.9</var>wind energy conversion systems with a combined nameplate capacity between five and 25 <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.10"></a><var>25.10</var>megawatts and submit a report based on that analysis, by January 15, 2009, to the chairs <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.11"></a><var>25.11</var>and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.12"></a><var>25.12</var>with primary jurisdiction over energy policy, including recommendations as to whether <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.13"></a><var>25.13</var>Minnesota Statutes, section 216F.012, should be amended.<br />
         		<a id="pl.25.14"></a><var>25.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Members of the stakeholder group are eligible for reimbursement of expenses, <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.15"></a><var>25.15</var>which the commissioner of commerce shall pay from the assessment under Minnesota <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.16"></a><var>25.16</var>Statutes, section 216C.052, subdivision 2, paragraph (c), clause (1).<br />
         		<a id="pl.25.17"></a><var>25.17</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.29.0"></a><a id="pl.25.18"></a><var>25.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 29. <b>STATE VIDEO FRANCHISING STUDY.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.25.19"></a><var>25.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Study contents.</b> The Department of Commerce shall contract with <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.20"></a><var>25.20</var>the University of Minnesota for a study of the impact of legislation enacted in at least <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.21"></a><var>25.21</var>three states that requires franchises for video service to be issued by a state agency. The <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.22"></a><var>25.22</var>contractor conducting the study shall, prior to its initiation, consult with associations <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.23"></a><var>25.23</var>representing municipalities and communities of color. The study shall contain, at a <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.24"></a><var>25.24</var>minimum, the following information:<br />
         		<a id="pl.25.25"></a><var>25.25</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the number of new video service providers that have applied for a state video <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.26"></a><var>25.26</var>franchise;<br />
         		<a id="pl.25.27"></a><var>25.27</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the number of incumbent video service providers that have elected to terminate <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.28"></a><var>25.28</var>an existing franchise agreement and apply for a state video franchise;<br />
         		<a id="pl.25.29"></a><var>25.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) the amount of capital invested by new video service providers to furnish video <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.30"></a><var>25.30</var>service;<br />
         		<a id="pl.25.31"></a><var>25.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) the number of communities in which new video service providers intend to offer <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.32"></a><var>25.32</var>video services, as reflected in their application;<br />
         		<a id="pl.25.33"></a><var>25.33</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) the number of communities with an incumbent video provider in which new <br />
         		<a id="pl.25.34"></a><var>25.34</var>providers intend to offer video services;<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.1"></a><var>26.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) the number of communities with no incumbent video service provider in which <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.2"></a><var>26.2</var>new video service providers intend to offer video services;<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.3"></a><var>26.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) the effect on video service prices in communities with an incumbent video <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.4"></a><var>26.4</var>provider in which new video service providers offer video services;<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.5"></a><var>26.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) the effect on franchise fee revenues received by municipalities from video <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.6"></a><var>26.6</var>service providers;<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.7"></a><var>26.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) the effect on the number of PEG channels available to communities;<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.8"></a><var>26.8</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) the effect on the amount of revenues received by municipalities to support the <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.9"></a><var>26.9</var>provision of PEG programming in communities;<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.10"></a><var>26.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(11) the effect on the amount of PEG programming available in communities;<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.11"></a><var>26.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(12) the progress of new video providers in meeting any build-out requirements <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.12"></a><var>26.12</var>in the law; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.13"></a><var>26.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(13) the effect on municipal services provided to communities by video service <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.14"></a><var>26.14</var>providers.<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.15"></a><var>26.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Report.</b> The department shall submit the report described in subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.16"></a><var>26.16</var>1 to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house committees with <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.17"></a><var>26.17</var>primary jurisdiction over telecommunications policy by February 1, 2009.<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.18"></a><var>26.18</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.30.0"></a><a id="pl.26.19"></a><var>26.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 30. <b>BROADBAND MAPPING PROJECT.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.26.20"></a><var>26.20</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Project.</b> The commissioner of commerce shall contract with a <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.21"></a><var>26.21</var>nonprofit organization that has significant experience working with broadband providers to <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.22"></a><var>26.22</var>develop geographical information system maps displaying levels of broadband service by <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.23"></a><var>26.23</var>connection speed and type of technology used and integrating the maps with demographic <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.24"></a><var>26.24</var>information to produce a comprehensive statewide inventory and mapping of existing <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.25"></a><var>26.25</var>broadband service and capability.<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.26"></a><var>26.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Mapping.</b> Data must be collected from broadband providers and entered <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.27"></a><var>26.27</var>into a geographic information system to produce maps that, for the state of Minnesota and <br />
         		<a id="pl.26.28"></a><var>26.28</var>any defined geographical entity within it, clearly convey the following information:<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.29"></a><var>26.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) areas unserved by any broadband provider;<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.30"></a><var>26.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) areas served by a single broadband provider;<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.31"></a><var>26.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) the location of towers used to transmit and receive broadband signals;<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.32"></a><var>26.32</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) actual upstream and downstream transmission speeds at the county level of detail;<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.33"></a><var>26.33</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) areas served by multiple broadband providers; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.26.34"></a><var>26.34</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) the types of technology used to provide broadband service.<br />
         		<a id="pl.27.1"></a><var>27.1</var>The data used to produce the maps must be capable of being integrated with demographic <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.2"></a><var>27.2</var>data from other sources including, but not limited to, population density and household <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.3"></a><var>27.3</var>income to allow for the production of maps that measure, down to the census block <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.4"></a><var>27.4</var>level of detail, various characteristics of residents in areas receiving different levels of <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.5"></a><var>27.5</var>broadband services and utilizing different technologies. Data provided by a broadband <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.6"></a><var>27.6</var>provider to the contractor under this subdivision is nonpublic data under Minnesota <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.7"></a><var>27.7</var>Statutes, section 13.02, subdivision 9. Maps produced under this subdivision are public <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.8"></a><var>27.8</var>data under Minnesota Statutes, section 13.03.<br />
         		<a id="pl.27.9"></a><var>27.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For the purposes of this section, "technology" or "technologies" means different <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.10"></a><var>27.10</var>methods of connecting to the Internet including, but not limited to, cable modem, DSL, <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.11"></a><var>27.11</var>ADSL, VDSL, and fiber optics.<br />
         		<a id="pl.27.12"></a><var>27.12</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The initial maps must be provided to the commissioner of commerce by February <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.13"></a><var>27.13</var>1, 2009.<br />
         		<a id="pl.27.14"></a><var>27.14</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.31.0"></a><a id="pl.27.15"></a><var>27.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 31. <b>WIND PROPERTY INTEREST MEDIATION AND REPORT.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.27.16"></a><var>27.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The commissioner of commerce shall, by July 1, 2008, convene a work group of <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.17"></a><var>27.17</var>interested parties to mediate differences concerning the termination of property interests <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.18"></a><var>27.18</var>related to wind energy systems developments. The commissioner must investigate and <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.19"></a><var>27.19</var>determine whether there is a factual basis for concerns that wind energy development <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.20"></a><var>27.20</var>may be hindered if termination of those property interests is not required by law if <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.21"></a><var>27.21</var>development has not occurred over some specified period of time. The commissioner <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.22"></a><var>27.22</var>shall, by January 15, 2009, report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.23"></a><var>27.23</var>committees of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over energy issues on the results of <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.24"></a><var>27.24</var>the factual investigation and any legislative recommendations related to termination of <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.25"></a><var>27.25</var>those property interests.<br />
         		<a id="pl.27.26"></a><var>27.26</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.32.0"></a><a id="pl.27.27"></a><var>27.27</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 32. <b>APPROPRIATION; DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.27.28"></a><var>27.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) $175,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2009 from the telecommunication access <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.29"></a><var>27.29</var>Minnesota fund account in the special revenue fund to the commissioner of commerce for <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.30"></a><var>27.30</var>the purpose of section 30. This is a onetime appropriation.<br />
         		<a id="pl.27.31"></a><var>27.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) $85,000 is appropriated for fiscal year 2009 from the telecommunication access <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.32"></a><var>27.32</var>Minnesota fund account in the special revenue fund to the commissioner of commerce for <br />
         		<a id="pl.27.33"></a><var>27.33</var>the purpose of section 29. This is a onetime appropriation.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.33.0"></a><a id="pl.28.1"></a><var>28.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 33. <b>AUTHORIZATION.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.28.2"></a><var>28.2</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The director of the Legislative Coordinating Commission may expend money <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.3"></a><var>28.3</var>appropriated for the use of the Legislative Electric Energy Task Force for the purposes of <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.4"></a><var>28.4</var>the Legislative Energy Commission established in Minnesota Statutes, section 3.8851, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.5"></a><var>28.5</var>those funds are available until expended and the money is appropriated to the director for <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.6"></a><var>28.6</var>that purpose.<br />
         		<a id="pl.28.7"></a><var>28.7</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective January 3, 2009.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.34.0"></a><a id="pl.28.8"></a><var>28.8</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 34. <b>REVISOR'S INSTRUCTION.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.28.9"></a><var>28.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The revisor of statutes shall recodify Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.051, as <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.10"></a><var>28.10</var>section 3.8851.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.35.0"></a><a id="pl.28.11"></a><var>28.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 35. <b> REPEALER.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.28.12"></a><var>28.12</var>Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 115C.09, subdivision 3j, is repealed.<br />
         		<a id="pl.28.13"></a><var>28.13</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.2.0.0"></a><div class="xtend_ce"><a id="pl.28.14"></a><var>28.14</var><b>ARTICLE 2</b><br />
            		
         </div>
         <div class="xtend_ce"><a id="pl.28.15"></a><var>28.15</var><b>OUTDOOR LIGHTING</b><br />
            		
         </div><br />
         		<a id="bill.2.1.0"></a><a id="pl.28.16"></a><var>28.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 16B.328, is amended by <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.17"></a><var>28.17</var>adding a subdivision to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.28.18"></a><var>28.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Standards for state-funded outdoor lighting fixtures.</b> (a) An outdoor <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.19"></a><var>28.19</var>lighting fixture may be installed or replaced using state funds only if:<br />
         		<a id="pl.28.20"></a><var>28.20</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the new or replacement outdoor lighting fixture is a cutoff luminaire if the rated <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.21"></a><var>28.21</var>output of the outdoor lighting fixture is greater than 1,800 lumens;<br />
         		<a id="pl.28.22"></a><var>28.22</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the minimum illuminance adequate for the intended purpose is used with <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.23"></a><var>28.23</var>consideration given to nationally recognized standards;<br />
         		<a id="pl.28.24"></a><var>28.24</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) for lighting of a designated highway of the state highway system, the Department <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.25"></a><var>28.25</var>of Transportation determines that the purpose of the outdoor lighting fixture cannot be <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.26"></a><var>28.26</var>achieved by the installation of reflective road markers, lines, warning or informational <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.27"></a><var>28.27</var>signs, or other effective passive methods; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.28.28"></a><var>28.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) full consideration has been given to energy conservation and savings, reducing <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.29"></a><var>28.29</var>glare, minimizing light pollution, and preserving the natural night environment.<br />
         		<a id="pl.28.30"></a><var>28.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply if:<br />
         		<a id="pl.28.31"></a><var>28.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) a federal law, rule, or regulation preempts state law;<br />
         		<a id="pl.28.32"></a><var>28.32</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the outdoor lighting fixture is used on a temporary basis because emergency <br />
         		<a id="pl.28.33"></a><var>28.33</var>personnel require additional illumination for emergency procedures;<br />
         		<a id="pl.29.1"></a><var>29.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) the outdoor lighting fixture is used on a temporary basis for nighttime work;<br />
         		<a id="pl.29.2"></a><var>29.2</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) special events or situations require additional illumination, provided that the <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.3"></a><var>29.3</var>illumination installed shields the outdoor lighting fixtures from direct view and minimizes <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.4"></a><var>29.4</var>upward lighting and light pollution;<br />
         		<a id="pl.29.5"></a><var>29.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) the outdoor lighting fixture is used solely to highlight the aesthetic aspects of <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.6"></a><var>29.6</var>a single object or distinctive building; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.29.7"></a><var>29.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) a compelling safety interest exists that cannot be addressed by another method.<br />
         		<a id="pl.29.8"></a><var>29.8</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) This subdivision does not apply to the operation and maintenance of lights or <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.9"></a><var>29.9</var>lighting systems purchased or installed, or for which design work is completed, before <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.10"></a><var>29.10</var>August 1, 2008.<br />
         		<a id="pl.29.11"></a><var>29.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) This section does not apply if a state agency or local unit of government <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.12"></a><var>29.12</var>determines that compliance with this section would: <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.13"></a><var>29.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) require an increased use of electricity;<br />
         		<a id="pl.29.14"></a><var>29.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) increase the construction cost of a lighting system more than 15 percent over the <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.15"></a><var>29.15</var>construction cost of a lighting system that does not comply with this section; <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.16"></a><var>29.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) increase the cost of operation and maintenance of the lighting system more than <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.17"></a><var>29.17</var>ten percent over the cost of operating and maintaining the existing lighting system over <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.18"></a><var>29.18</var>the life of the lighting system; or <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.19"></a><var>29.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) result in a negative safety impact."<br />
         		<a id="pl.29.20"></a><var>29.20</var>Delete the title and insert:<br />
         		
         <div class="xtend_ce"><a id="pl.29.21"></a><var>29.21</var>"A bill for an act<br />
            		
         </div><a id="pl.29.22"></a><var>29.22</var>relating to utilities; providing standards for state-funded outdoor lighting <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.23"></a><var>29.23</var>fixtures; modifying Petrofund program; providing for replacement of PVC <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.24"></a><var>29.24</var>piping in heating oil systems in residential locations; providing that certain <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.25"></a><var>29.25</var>eminent domain appraisal and negotiation requirements apply to public service <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.26"></a><var>29.26</var>corporations; modifying cost recovery provisions for electric transmission and <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.27"></a><var>29.27</var>renewable energy facilities; providing for solar-generated electricity under a <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.28"></a><var>29.28</var>utility's renewable energy standard; allowing utilities to fund certain solar energy <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.29"></a><var>29.29</var>products under the conservation improvement program; exempting certain wind <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.30"></a><var>29.30</var>and solar projects from the requirement to obtain a certificate of need; modifying <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.31"></a><var>29.31</var>and adding provisions relating to notice to and meetings with local units of <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.32"></a><var>29.32</var>government for siting large electric generating plant or high-voltage transmission <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.33"></a><var>29.33</var>line; allowing size election for certain wind energy conversion systems and <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.34"></a><var>29.34</var>creating Size Election Stakeholder Group; creating a wind project aggregation <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.35"></a><var>29.35</var>program; requiring reports on reducing greenhouse gas emissions; requiring <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.36"></a><var>29.36</var>reporting of emissions or leakage of greenhouse gases with high global warming <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.37"></a><var>29.37</var>potential; providing for wind and solar easements; requiring development of <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.38"></a><var>29.38</var>plan for solar rating and certification laboratory; requiring studies and reports; <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.39"></a><var>29.39</var>appropriating money;amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 115C.04, <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.40"></a><var>29.40</var>subdivision 3; 115C.09, subdivision 3h, by adding a subdivision; 216B.16, <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.41"></a><var>29.41</var>subdivision 7b; 216B.1645, subdivisions 1, 2; 216B.2411, subdivision 2; <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.42"></a><var>29.42</var>216B.2424, subdivision 1; 216B.243, by adding a subdivision; 216C.051, as <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.43"></a><var>29.43</var>amended; 216E.03, subdivision 4, by adding subdivisions; Minnesota Statutes <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.44"></a><var>29.44</var>2007 Supplement, sections 16B.328, by adding a subdivision; 216B.1645, <br />
         		<a id="pl.29.45"></a><var>29.45</var>subdivision 2a; 216B.241, by adding a subdivision; 216B.2411, subdivision 1; <br />
         		<a id="pl.30.1"></a><var>30.1</var>500.30, subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, <br />
         		<a id="pl.30.2"></a><var>30.2</var>chapters 117; 216F; 216H; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 115C.09, <br />
         		<a id="pl.30.3"></a><var>30.3</var>subdivision 3j."<br />
         		We request the adoption of this report and repassage of the bill.Senate Conferees: (Signed) Yvonne Prettner Solon, John Doll, Julie A. Rosen, Ellen R. Anderson, Dan SparksHouse Conferees: (Signed) Bill Hilty, Sheldon Johnson, Brita Sailer, Kathy Brynaert, Torrey Westrom
         <table>
            <col width="50px"></col>
            <col width="252px"></col>
            <col width="42px"></col>
            <col width="252px"></col>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.1"></a><var>31.1</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td colspan="3" align="left" valign="bottom">We request the adoption of this report and repassage of the bill.<br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.2"></a><var>31.2</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom">Senate Conferees:<span width="2em"></span>(Signed)<br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.3"></a><var>31.3</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.4"></a><var>31.4</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom">Yvonne Prettner Solon<br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom">John Doll<br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.5"></a><var>31.5</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.6"></a><var>31.6</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom">Julie A. Rosen<br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom">Ellen R. Anderson<br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.7"></a><var>31.7</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.8"></a><var>31.8</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom">Dan Sparks<br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.9"></a><var>31.9</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom">House Conferees:<span width="2em"></span>(Signed)<br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.10"></a><var>31.10</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.11"></a><var>31.11</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom">Bill Hilty<br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom">Sheldon Johnson<br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.12"></a><var>31.12</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.13"></a><var>31.13</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom">Brita Sailer<br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom">Kathy Brynaert<br />
                  		
               </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.14"></a><var>31.14</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
               <td><a id="pl.31.15"></a><var>31.15</var><br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom">Torrey Westrom<br />
                  		
               </td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
               <td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
            </tr>
         </table>
      </div>