Process established to compensate businesses for loss of business opportunity resulting from sale and closure of a biomass energy plant.

HF 1772 creates a claims process to compensate Minnesota businesses that lost income or property value due to the early closure of a biomass energy plant. It directly affects businesses operating under valid contracts (written or documented oral) with the biomass plant or its integrated fertilizer plant as of May 1, 2017, and located in Minnesota. The Office of Administrative Hearings will administer claims, requiring businesses to prove decreased operating income (revenue minus operating costs) or loss of essential property investments, while deducting any insurance payments or other compensation received. Awards for income losses are capped at twice the calculated loss amount, and claims may receive priority if businesses pursued alternative opportunities to mitigate losses.