SF 972 Summary

• Appropriates $59+ million to the Department of Commerce and other agencies for fiscal years 2022-2023, including funding for telecommunications access, energy resources, and financial institutions programs.

• Establishes energy conservation and renewable energy programs including a state building energy conservation loan fund, Minnesota efficient technology accelerator, solar for schools initiatives, and wood pellet production incentives.

• Creates natural gas utility innovation plans allowing utilities to develop and recover costs for innovative resources like renewable natural gas, biogas, hydrogen, and strategic electrification to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Modifies mandated health benefit evaluation process by changing the Department of Commerce's role to lead evaluations and requiring prospective bill authors to notify legislative committee chairs by August 1 preceding the legislative session.

• Authorizes cogeneration facility power purchase agreement for St. Paul district heating/cooling system using waste wood from ash trees, contingent on electrification project proposals and significant cost savings compared to existing agreements.