6.1.A. ERMUSR 04-12-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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07‘, 60c:roe _dare), •r 4* Afflit4 Vol. 15, No. 5 April 8, 2016 CHP/ Cogeneration Legislation Moves (Erratically) On Thursday, the House Committee on Job Growth and Energy Affordability heard HF 813 authored by Rep. Bob Loonan (R-Shakopee). The legislation would expand the exemption from the state's greenhouse gas emission offset requirement to include combined heat and power and cogeneration facilities of all sizes. Currently they're exempt from having to offset their emissions only if they're under 50 MW in capacity. MMUA and multiple municipal power agencies worked to convince the bill author that the law change would create a dangerous situation for municipal utilities with large industrial customers. The bill, sponsored by Flint Hills Resources, was added to the committee's agenda so soon before the hearing that municipal opponents could not secure passage of an amendment to exclude CHP/cogeneration facilities located in municipal service territories. However, as is common, they did secure commitment from the bill author that he would amend his bill during debate on the House floor to address their concerns. Complimentary lobbying efforts by the same folks on the other side of the street played a major role in "killing" the bill (SF 1357) in the Senate. Although a bill can never really said to be "dead" at the Capitol. Railroad Crossing Fees Bill Keeps Moving On Wednesday, the House Transportation Policy and Finance Committee discussed HF 963, the legislation to provide a uniform $750 fee for utility lines crossing railroad right-of-way. As in past committee hearings, MREA and telecom interests expressed their support for the measure, outlining the high fees being proposed by the railroads and the project delays that result from negotiating them down. Again, the railroads expressed their opposition, stating that a $750 fee does not cover their costs and like any landowner, they are entitled to just compensation for the use of their land. They also suggested utility lines are a massive liability and present safety concerns. Several GOP committee members suggested to the railroads that they"tone down their rhetoric" and "pick their battles." On a bipartisan basis, the committee suggested that the stakeholders work together to find a non-legislative solution to this problem before the session ends. MREA noted that this has been an ongoing negotiation for over 20 years,but they would continue the conversation. The bill was re-referred to the Ways and Means Committee. 227