MN SF2896

Creates the Minnesota Nuclear Waste Storage Commission with ten members, including state commissioners, local representatives from Red Wing and Monticello, and a Prairie Island Indian Community representative, to be established under the Department of Health.

Requires the commission to develop a long-term storage strategy for high-level radioactive waste and prepare storage plans by January 15, 2012, and every three years thereafter, addressing management, security, monitoring, cask maintenance, and new storage technologies.

Ensures host communities (Prairie Island Indian Community, Red Wing, and Monticello) receive adequate funding for public safety services including fire, police, emergency medical response, and emergency operations while high-level radioactive waste is stored at their facilities.

Redirects nuclear waste storage fees paid by Minnesota ratepayers from the Commissioner of Public Service to the Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, beginning July 1, 2010, into an escrow account that funds the new commission.

Appropriates ten percent of annual escrow account funds to the commission through June 30, 2034, with up to forty percent available for emergency response capabilities in host communities upon demonstration of need.