STATE OF MINNESOTA FORTY THIRD MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NINETY-SECOND SESSION
CLIMATE AND ENERGY FINANCE AND POLICY MINUTES
Representative Jamie Long, Chair of the Committee on Climate and Energy Finance and Policy, called the virtual meeting to order at 10:30 AM on March 22nd, 2022 pursuant to House rule 10.01. The meeting was broadcast via Zoom and House Public Information Services.
The Committee Legislative Assistant noted the roll.
Members present:
Long, Jamie, Chair
Acomb, Patty, Vice Chair
Swedzinski, Chris, Republican Lead
Bierman, Robert
Boe, Greg
Christensen, Shelly
Franson, Mary
Gruenhagen, Glenn
Hollins, Athena
Hornstein, Frank
Igo, Spencer
Lee, Fue
Lippert, Todd
Lislegard, Dave
Mekeland, Shane
Munson, Jeremy
Stephenson, Zack
A quorum was present.
Representative Reyer presented HF 4404, a bill for an act relating to solar energy; establishing a program to award grants for the installation of solar energy generating systems on public buildings; requiring a report; appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216C.
Representative Long moved that HF 4404 be laid over for possible inclusion.
Representative Long moved the HF4404A1 amendment, THE MOTION PREVAILED. THE AMENDMENT WAS ADOPTED.
Testifying on HF 4404:
• Logan O'Grady, Executive Director, MnSEIA
• Isabel Ricker, Senior Manager, Fresh Energy
• Dr. Kate Knuth, 100% Campaign
• Mike Supina, Council Member, City of Eagan
Representative Gruenhagen moved the HF4404A2 amendment.
Representative Gruenhagen requested a roll call on the HF4404A2 amendment.
AYES:
Swedzinski
Boe
Franson
Gruenhagen
Igo
Mekeland
Munson
NAYS:
Long
Acomb
Bierman
Christensen
Hollins
Hornstein
Lee
Lippert
Lislegard
Stephenson
There being 7 ayes and 10 nays, THE MOTION DID NOT PREVAIL, THE AMENDMENT WAS NOT ADOPTED.
Representative Long renewed his motion that HF 4404, as amended, be laid over for possible inclusion.
Representative Long passed the gavel to Representative Acomb at 10:59am.
Representative Long presented HF 4402, a bill for an act relating to energy; extending the solar energy production incentive program; establishing an energy storage incentive program; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2021 Supplement, section 116C.7792; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216C.
Representative Long moved that HF 4402 be laid over for possible inclusion.
Representative Long moved the HF4402A1 amendment, THE MOTION PREVAILED. THE AMENDMENT WAS ADOPTED.
Testifying on HF 4402:
• Logan O'Grady, Executive Director, MnSEIA
• Michael Allen, President, All Energy Solar
• Donna Pickard, Solar Permissions Manager, TruNorth Solar
Representative Long renewed his motion that HF 4402, as amended, be laid over for possible inclusion.
Representative Long presented HF 4305, a bill for an act relating to taxation; production tax; creating an exemption from the solar energy production tax; amending Minnesota Statutes 2021 Supplement, section 272.0295, subdivision 2.
Representative Long moved that HF 4305 be re-referred to the committee on taxes
Testifying on HF 4305:
• Logan O'Grady, Executive Director, MnSEIA
• Daniel Wellingham, Tax Counsel, Renewable Energy Alternatives
• David Shaffer, Director of Policy & Government Affairs, Novel Energy Solutions
Representative Long renewed his motion that HF 4305 be re-referred to the committee on taxes.
Representative Long requested a roll call on his motion that HF 4305 be re-referred to the committee on taxes.
AYES:
Long
Acomb
Bierman
Boe
Christensen
Hollins
Hornstein
Lee
Lippert
Lislegard
NAYS:
Swedzinski
Franson
Gruenhagen
Igo
Mekeland
Munson
ABSTAINED:
Stephenson
There being 10 ayes, 6 nays, and 1 excused, THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Representative Acomb passed the gavel to Representative Long at 11:34am.
Representative Hollins presented HF 3897, a bill for an act relating to energy; establishing a grant program to upgrade electric panels in residential buildings; appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216C.
Representative Hollins moved that HF 3897 be laid over for possible inclusion.
Representative Hollins moved the HF3897DE1 amendment, THE MOTION PREVAILED. THE AMENDMENT WAS ADOPTED.
Testifying on HF3897:
• Justin Fay, Lead Director of Public Affairs, Fresh Energy
• Mari Ojeda, Policy Associate, Energy Access and Equity, Fresh Energy
• Jamal Lewis, Director of Policy Partnerships and Equitable Electrification, Rewiring America
• Mike Robertson, Program Manager, A Brush with Kindness, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Representative Hollins renewed her motion that HF 3897, as amended, be laid over for possible inclusion.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:01 PM.
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Representative Jamie Long, Chair
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Mike Hermanson, Committee Legislative Assistant