The Environmental Quality Board adopted an amendment to its rules setting the threshold for environmental review for greenhouse gases at 100,000 tons per year – the threshold used under EPA’s new permitting regulations.

MCEA on behalf of our energy clients Fresh Energy, and the Izaak Walton League of America–Midwest Office objected to this rule on the basis that projects that emit less than 100,000 tons per year should be subject to mandatory environmental review.  The Next Generation Energy Act contains goals of steep reductions in greenhouse gases, and these reductions will never be achieved unless new, major sources of greenhouse gases in Minnesota are scrutinized.  MCEA proposed an alternative threshold of 10,000 tons of direct emissions, or 25,000 of direct and indirect emissions, which are the thresholds at which polluters must report their greenhouse gas emissions to the MPCA according to Minnesota law. 

MCEA Documents

Comments of MCEA 

Comments of MCEA and Fresh Energy on Proposed Rule 

EQB Letter for Hearing

Outside links

ALJ Opinion

EQB Proposed Rule

EQB Agenda for September 21 Meeting