Environment (Conservation)

SF 19 modifies environmental and energy regulations for data centers in Minnesota. It requires data centers planning to use over 100 million gallons of water annually to provide preapplication water use data (including volume estimates and sources) to state agencies. The bill also mandates that permitting inquiries for such data centers be referred to the Minnesota Business First Stop program and requires water conservation measures - like recycling and closed-loop systems - in new or modified water permits. These changes apply specifically to large data centers meeting the water use threshold and take effect upon final enactment.

HF 8 is a funding bill that appropriates $150 million over two years (2026-2027) to Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency for environmental programs. It directly affects state agencies, municipalities, and businesses by funding water quality monitoring ($144,000 annually), air pollution monitoring ($1.18 million annually), and PFAS chemical regulations. Key provisions include creating a foraging task force, modifying fees for wastewater labs, and requiring new reports on environmental permitting. The bill also adjusts existing funding streams from the Environmental Trust Fund and modifies prior environmental statutes. It does not create new taxes or impose direct costs on residents.

SF 3 is an omnibus appropriations bill that allocates state funding for various environment and natural resources programs. It would provide budget authority to state agencies managing parks, wildlife conservation, water quality initiatives, and environmental protection efforts. The bill does not change existing laws but sets specific financial resources for these programs during the upcoming fiscal year. This funding would directly support how these agencies operate and deliver services to the public.