Subdivision 1. Creation, purpose. The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of agriculture, may organize a Minnesota Biomass Center.
The center shall be the focus of biomass energy activities for the state. To the maximum extent possible, the center shall coordinate its activities and the use of its staff and facilities with those of other entities involved in biomass energy projects.
Subd. 2. Duties. The center shall:
(1) coordinate existing education and training programs for biomass energy production and use within the state and develop new programs where necessary. Educational programs shall cover all types of biomass energy production use, including but not limited to production from grain, biowaste, and cellulosic materials;
(2) serve as a central information resource in conjunction with existing agencies and academic institutions in order to provide information to the public on the production and use of biomass energy. The center shall obtain and analyze available information on biomass energy topics and prepare it for distribution to ensure that the public receives the most accurate and up-to-date information available;
(3) participate in necessary research projects to assist in technological advancement in areas of biomass energy production, distribution, and use. The center shall also study the environmental and safety aspects of biomass energy use;
(4) support and coordinate financing activities for biomass energy production, including providing technical assistance and manuals to individuals and groups seeking private, local, state or federal funding. The center shall be responsible for evaluating projects for any state assistance that may become available;
(5) develop consumer information and protection programs for all aspects of biomass energy production and use;
(6) investigate marketing and distribution needs within the state;
(7) review state and federal laws and regulations affecting biomass energy production and use, and evaluate regulatory incentives in order to provide the legislature with legislative proposals for the encouragement of biomass energy production and use within the state.
1980 c 579 s 29; 1981 c 85 s 6; 1981 c 356 s 164,248; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities
Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation
Section 216C.01 — Definitions.
Section 216C.02 — Powers And Duties Of Commissioner; Rules.
Section 216C.03 — State Government Energy-savings Plan.
Section 216C.05 — Findings And Purpose.
Section 216C.053 — Renewable Energy Development.
Section 216C.054 — Annual Transmission Adequacy Report To Legislature.
Section 216C.055 — Key Role Of Solar And Biomass Resources In Producing Thermal Energy.
Section 216C.06 — Definitions.
Section 216C.07 — Conflict Of Interest.
Section 216C.08 — Jurisdiction.
Section 216C.09 — Commissioner Duties.
Section 216C.10 — Commissioner Powers.
Section 216C.11 — Energy Conservation Information Center.
Section 216C.12 — Energy Conservation Publicity.
Section 216C.13 — Postsecondary Energy Education.
Section 216C.145 — Community Energy Efficiency And Renewable Energy Loan Program.
Section 216C.146 — Community Energy Efficiency And Renewable Energy Loan Revenue Bonds.
Section 216C.15 — Emergency Energy Conservation And Allocation Plan.
Section 216C.16 — State Petroleum Set-aside Program.
Section 216C.17 — Energy Forecasts And Statistics; Report.
Section 216C.18 — State Energy Policy And Conservation Report.
Section 216C.19 — Energy Conservation.
Section 216C.20 — Energy Conservation In Public Building.
Section 216C.25 — Solar Energy System Standards.
Section 216C.26 — Energy Research Project; Review.
Section 216C.261 — Alternative Energy Engineering Activity.
Section 216C.264 — Coordinating Residential Weatherization Programs.
Section 216C.265 — Emergency Energy Assistance; Fuel Funds.
Section 216C.266 — Data Privacy; Energy Programs.
Section 216C.29 — Subpoena Power.
Section 216C.30 — Enforcement; Penalties, Remedies.
Section 216C.31 — Energy Audit Programs.
Section 216C.315 — Alternative Energy Economic Analysis.
Section 216C.32 — Energy-efficient Building Education.
Section 216C.33 — Minnesota Biomass Center.
Section 216C.34 — Money For School Or Governing Body.
Section 216C.35 — Priorities For Funding.
Section 216C.37 — Energy Conservation Investment Loan.
Section 216C.375 — Solar For Schools Program.
Section 216C.376 — Solar For Schools Program For Certain Utility Service Territory.
Section 216C.381 — Community Energy Program.
Section 216C.385 — Clean Energy Resource Teams.
Section 216C.41 — Renewable Energy Production Incentive.
Section 216C.417 — Program Administration; "made In Minnesota" Solar Energy Production Incentives.
Section 216C.42 — Definitions; Energy Improvements For Buildings.
Section 216C.43 — Energy Improvement Financing Program For Local Government.
Section 216C.435 — Definitions; Pace Loan Programs.
Section 216C.436 — Commercial Pace Loan Program.
Section 216C.437 — Residential Pace Loan Program; Authority; Consumer Protections.