Energy performance standards requirements for certain buildings provisions and appropriation

This bill establishes a program requiring certain large buildings in Minnesota to meet specific energy performance standards aimed at reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It directly affects public buildings owned by cities, counties, and schools with over 50,000 square feet, as well as private buildings of 100,000 or more square feet and 50,000 or more square feet. The legislation mandates that the state commissioner set final energy and emissions targets for these properties by 2026, with interim goals to be reviewed every five years until 2045. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to exempt buildings experiencing financial distress from these requirements and allocates funding to support the program.