Legislation will streamline the energy permitting process and help the state transition to 100 percent clean electricity by 2040

ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today visited a wind energy farm in Dexter, Minnesota where he held a ceremonial bill signing for legislation that will shorten and streamline the energy permitting process. Reforms are estimated to result in time savings of 9-12 months for permitting and building renewable energy and transmission projects. More efficient and streamlined permitting processes will aid in the state’s transition to 100 percent clean electricity by 2040. Governor Walz was joined by bill authors Senator Nick Frentz and Representative Jamie Long, and clean energy advocates.

“As I sign this legislation, communities from one end of our state to the other are looking at months of rebuilding after an extreme weather event exacerbated by climate change. This is a measure that will help protect our environment and get the clean energy projects that are going to help fight climate change in motion,” said Governor Walz. “Today, we’re cutting red tape for businesses, helping more projects get off the ground, and supporting the clean energy job sector to make the transition to a clean energy economy easier. Together we’re taking meaningful steps to combat climate change.”

The legislation streamlines the energy permitting process by creating two separate review processes: a standard review for smaller wind and solar projects and power lines and a more intensive review for larger projects, such as major transmission lines or power plants. The legislation also modifies rules governing certificates of need and site and route permits for large electric power plants and high-voltage transmission lines. The modifications remove roadblocks for renewable power developers, making it easier to build in Minnesota.