HF 4700 Summary

• Establishes the Minnesota Energy Infrastructure Permitting Act (Chapter 216I) to consolidate and streamline permitting for large energy infrastructure facilities including high-voltage transmission lines, large power generating plants, solar systems, wind systems, and energy storage systems.

• Creates tiered review processes: Major review (with environmental impact statement and contested case hearing within 1 year), standard review (with environmental assessment within 6 months), and local review options for smaller qualifying projects.

• Modifies certificate of need requirements by adjusting voltage thresholds for transmission lines (300 kilovolts or more, changed from 200), increasing gas pipeline pressure requirements (275 psi from 200), and requiring applicants to assess environmental cost risks for nonrenewable facilities.

• Prevailing wage requirement mandates that recipients of site permits for large electric power generating plants pay prevailing wages to all construction contractors and subcontractors, with compliance enforcement provisions.

• Repeals outdated chapters 216E and 216F and related Minnesota Rules governing power plant siting and wind energy facilities, replacing them with the new unified permitting framework effective January 1, 2025.