MN SF1888

Establishes a Community Energy Transition Grant program administered by the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development to award grants to counties, municipalities, and tribal governments that host or have hosted coal, nuclear, or natural gas-powered electric generating plants.

Creates a special revenue account funded with $15,000,000 on July 1, 2020, and $10,000,000 annually thereafter transferred from the renewable development account, with an additional one-time $25,000,000 general fund appropriation for communities outside the utility service territory.

Sets maximum grant amounts of $1,000,000 for communities with operating plants and $5,000,000 for communities with plants scheduled for or already retired or decommissioned, with funds usable for research, planning, studies, capital improvements, and business incentives.

Establishes a Community Energy Transition Grant Advisory Council by September 1, 2020, composed of state commissioners, two worker representatives, and four eligible community representatives to review applications and make recommendations based on specified priorities.

Requires annual reports to the legislature beginning January 15, 2022, detailing grant fund usage and economic impact, and automatically cancels grants if projects do not proceed timely within five years.