PUC says 2024 Energy Infrastructure Permitting Act is in effect; four applications filed under new standard review
February 26, 2026 | 2026 Legislature MN, Minnesota
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Sasha Bergman, executive secretary of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, told the Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate Committee on Feb. 25 that the Minnesota Energy Infrastructure Permitting Act of 2024 is in effect and the PUC has been implementing its requirements since July 1, 2025.
"The law took effect on 07/01/2025, and we have been implementing that since that point in time," Bergman said, summarizing statutory changes intended to speed permitting while preserving public input and environmental review.
Under the statute, projects are categorized as standard review (wind, solar, storage and smaller high-voltage lines) or major review (nonrenewable facilities of 80 MW or greater, or high-voltage lines over 300 kV that exceed 30 miles or require more than 20% new right-of-way). Bergman said the act transferred environmental-review staff from the Department of Commerce to the PUC and requires applicants to coordinate early with state, local and tribal governments and to submit a draft application for staff review before filing.
Statute generally mandates a PUC decision in about six months for standard-review projects from the determination of application completeness. Bergman said the PUC has received four applications under the new law (all standard review), that the first application was deemed complete Nov. 18 (docket number posted on her slide) and that the final public comment period for that docket recently closed. She said the Administrative Law Judge report for that first project is expected by March 5 and that a commission decision will follow, with the PUC aiming to meet or exceed the statutory deadline.
Bergman emphasized the agency’s goal of a "right-sized" process that leverages efficiency while retaining public input and environmental protections. She told senators the PUC will keep the committee updated as it implements the law.
Asked about major-review filings, Bergman said the PUC has not yet received any such applications under the new statute.
"The law took effect on 07/01/2025, and we have been implementing that since that point in time," Bergman said, summarizing statutory changes intended to speed permitting while preserving public input and environmental review.
Under the statute, projects are categorized as standard review (wind, solar, storage and smaller high-voltage lines) or major review (nonrenewable facilities of 80 MW or greater, or high-voltage lines over 300 kV that exceed 30 miles or require more than 20% new right-of-way). Bergman said the act transferred environmental-review staff from the Department of Commerce to the PUC and requires applicants to coordinate early with state, local and tribal governments and to submit a draft application for staff review before filing.
Statute generally mandates a PUC decision in about six months for standard-review projects from the determination of application completeness. Bergman said the PUC has received four applications under the new law (all standard review), that the first application was deemed complete Nov. 18 (docket number posted on her slide) and that the final public comment period for that docket recently closed. She said the Administrative Law Judge report for that first project is expected by March 5 and that a commission decision will follow, with the PUC aiming to meet or exceed the statutory deadline.
Bergman emphasized the agency’s goal of a "right-sized" process that leverages efficiency while retaining public input and environmental protections. She told senators the PUC will keep the committee updated as it implements the law.
Asked about major-review filings, Bergman said the PUC has not yet received any such applications under the new statute.
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