MN SF4183

Requires the Metropolitan Council to incorporate environmental and public health considerations into its comprehensive development guide, with specific focus on combating global warming and protecting undeveloped natural lands.

Establishes legislative findings that global warming is real and human-caused, undeveloped lands sequester carbon, and increased residential density in urban and suburban areas with existing infrastructure benefits the environment and public health.

Defines "climate mitigation and adaptation" to include greenhouse gas emissions-reduction goals under state law and vehicle miles traveled reduction targets, with the commissioner of transportation required to consult the Metropolitan Council on transportation targets.

Provides that adoption or amendment of provisions authorizing increased residential density does not constitute pollution, impairment, or destruction under state environmental law if approved by the Metropolitan Council or determined by a municipality to result in environmental and public health benefits.

Applies to seven counties: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington, with an effective date retroactively to March 1, 2018 for certain provisions.