MN HF190

Adds consideration of local land use restrictions and availability of suitable sites to factors the Public Utilities Commission must consider when modifying or delaying renewable energy standards compliance.

Expands county authority to adopt zoning ordinances that restrict or prohibit the siting of large wind energy conversion systems (LWECS) more stringently than state commission rules.

Requires the commission to apply county's more stringent siting controls when considering LWECS permit applications, removing the prior exception allowing the commission to bypass local standards "for good cause."

Defines "official controls" by reference to Minnesota Statutes chapter 394 and applies the term throughout the siting standards language.

Both sections effective the day following final enactment.