Bill Text: MN SF2632 | 2013-2014 | 88th Legislature | Introduced


Bill Title: University of Minnesota (U of M) Duluth sustainable mining institute establishment and appropriation

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-03-12 - Referred to Higher Education and Workforce Development [SF2632 Detail]

Download: Minnesota-2013-SF2632-Introduced.html

1.1A bill for an act
1.2relating to higher education; establishing a Sustainable Mining Institute at the
1.3University of Minnesota, Duluth; appropriating money; proposing coding for
1.4new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 137.
1.5BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6    Section 1. [137.345] SUSTAINABLE MINING INSTITUTE.
1.7    Subdivision 1. Establishment; mission. (a) A Sustainable Mining Institute is
1.8established at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. The mission of the institute is to
1.9conduct and facilitate research into, and implementation of, sustainable mining practices,
1.10with emphasis on sustainable mining practices that would benefit both the operation of
1.11proposed and existing mines within the state, and the communities and economies within
1.12close proximity of the mines.
1.13(b) The institute's primary classroom facilities must be located within 15 miles
1.14of an existing, operational mine.
1.15    Subd. 2. Advisory board. (a) The work of the Institute must be guided by a
1.16nine-member advisory board appointed by the chancellor of the University of Minnesota,
1.17Duluth, in consultation with the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.
1.18The advisory board must include members representing environmental advocacy
1.19organizations, the mining industry, as well as academic researchers with interest and
1.20experience in mining and environmental issues, and citizens representing communities
1.21with a substantial mining-based economy.
1.22(b) Members of the advisory board shall be appointed for a two-year term, and are
1.23eligible for reappointment. In making appointments to the advisory board representing
2.1industry, preference may be given to individuals representing industry sectors or businesses
2.2with a demonstrated history of supporting and investing in the institute's mission.
2.3    Subd. 3. Duties of the institute. The institute shall:
2.4(1) provide grants to individuals and organizations conducting research on issues
2.5consistent with the institute's mission, according to procedures for soliciting, reviewing,
2.6and approving proposals in an open and competitive process that shall be established by
2.7the advisory board;
2.8(2) facilitate and provide opportunities for workforce training, internships, and other
2.9practical skills-based experiences that encourage sustainable mining practices; and
2.10(3) conduct other appropriate programs and outreach activities, consistent with the
2.11institute's mission, as may be recommended by the advisory board.
2.12Where appropriate, the institute shall coordinate its work with the Iron Range Resources
2.13and Rehabilitation Board, the Natural Resources Research Institute, and other similar
2.14institutes and organizations within Minnesota and in other states.
2.15    Subd. 4. Appropriations; receipt of other funds. In addition to funds appropriated
2.16to the institute by law, the institute may accept funds from outside sources, including
2.17federal grants and appropriations, and donations from private individuals or entities, to
2.18facilitate the institute's work and further its mission.

2.19    Sec. 2. SUSTAINABLE MINING INSTITUTE; APPROPRIATIONS.
2.20$3,000,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2015 from the general fund to the Board
2.21of Regents of the University of Minnesota for purposes of establishment and initial
2.22operations of the Sustainable Mining Institute created pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
2.23section 137.345. The funds are available until spent.

2.24    Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.
2.25Sections 1 and 2 are effective July 1, 2014. Initial appointments to the advisory
2.26board established in section 1 must be made no later than August 1, 2014.
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