Vetoed by Governor Mark Dayton

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote on a conference report that authorizes the construction of new oil pipelines and repair of existing oil pipelines in the state

Highlights:

• Requires the PACE Consumer Protection task force to submit a report with legislative recommendations on energy improvement programs (Art. 2, Sec. 24).

• Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to regulate cooperative electric associations (Art. 2, Sec. 10).

• Requires regulatory incentives for all natural gas-fired plants located at sites deemed to hold promise in innovative energy (Art. 2, Sec. 12).

• Specifies that a new or refurbished non-renewable energy facility will not be approved unless its proposal demonstrates a clear positive impact on public good or energy grid reliability (Art. 2, Sec. 14).

• Appropriates $25.7 million to the Department of Commerce for energy development, which includes the following fund distributions (Art. 1, Sec. 2):

• $1.1 million for the Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Board;

• $150,000 for installation of renewable energy equipment in low-income households; and

• $430,000 for costs associated with energy-intensive electric utility rates.

• Requires that at least 1.5% of total retail electric sales be solar generated by the end of 2020, adding a 10% goal by 2030, and requires a larger contribution from a public utility with more than 200,000 customers (Art. 2, Sec. 11).

• Appropriates funds for the creation of jobs within various industries including manufacturing, warehousing, information technology and insurance (Art. 4, Sec. 5).

• Establishes the Youth Skills Training Program to provide work-based skills training and academic credit to students aged 16 and older (Art. 3, Sec. 2).

• Requires the Department of Employment and Economic Development to submit an annual report on the number of jobs created, its impact on low-income areas, and recommendations for further development (Art. 4, Sec. 11).

Full Bill Text