SF 3275 - 2010 Omnibus Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Bill

• Appropriates $58,939,000 from the outdoor heritage fund for fiscal year 2011 for conservation programs including prairie grassland restoration ($18,093,000), forest protection ($5,603,000), wetland enhancement ($16,905,000), and habitat acquisition ($17,563,000)

• Establishes rebate program for Minnesota-manufactured solar photovoltaic modules with $2-5 million annual allocations from 2011-2015, providing up to $5 per watt for eligible installations with income-based caps

• Modifies renewable energy development account requirements for Prairie Island and Monticello nuclear plants, changing annual contributions based on dry cask storage of spent fuel

• Increases low-income electric rate discounts from 300 to 400 kilowatt-hours per billing period and authorizes energy conservation programs for Minneapolis and St. Paul covering residential, commercial, and industrial properties

• Requires certificate of need review for high-voltage transmission lines in dense urban areas and establishes neighborhood energy reduction study with community steering committee for transmission projects