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SF 3211

Macalester College geothermal energy system appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bobby Joe Champion

Allocates state funds to Macalester College to develop a geothermal energy system, aiming to cut campus energy costs, reduce carbon footprint, and serve as a model for peers.

Referred to Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
#education-higher #energy
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Bill Summary · SF 3211

Summary of SF 3211 – Macalester College Geothermal Energy System Appropriation

Overview

SF 3211 proposes an appropriation to support a geothermal energy system at Macalester College. The bill is classified as an appropriations measure under Education-Higher and Energy topics. It has been introduced and referred to the Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate committee. A companion bill is HF 2912.

  • Bill: SF 3211
  • Title: Macalester College geothermal energy system appropriation
  • Purpose category: Appropriations, Education-Higher, Energy
  • Introduced: April 1, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
  • Companion: HF 2912

Purpose and Intended Effect

  • The foundational purpose is to provide state funding to Macalester College for the development or expansion of a geothermal energy system.
  • The overarching goals are to advance renewable energy on a higher education campus, potentially reduce long-term energy costs, and demonstrate or promote geothermal technology as a model for similar institutions.

Key Provisions (What the bill would generally include)

Note: The exact textual provisions are not provided in the information available. Based on standard features of state higher-education energy appropriation bills, the bill would typically address:
- Amount of an appropriation dedicated to Macalester College for a geothermal energy project.
- Authorized uses of the funds (e.g., equipment purchase, installation, site work, engineering/design, interconnection with the campus utility system).
- Any grant or funding conditions (e.g., project milestones, compliance with state procurement rules, energy efficiency targets).
- Reporting or accountability requirements (e.g., project status updates to the Legislature, estimated energy savings, environmental impact metrics).
- Oversight and administration (which state or college entity administers funds, audit requirements, performance evaluations).
- Possible matching funds or contingencies (if applicable).
- Compliance with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., environmental, construction, and ethical purchasing standards).

Note: The exact provisions (dollar figures, eligible costs, timelines, reporting metrics) would be specified in the bill text; the above are typical components of similar appropriation measures.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Primary beneficiary: Macalester College (institution would receive funding for a geothermal energy system).
  • State government and taxpayers: Potential impact on the state budget through the appropriation; subsequent operational savings or economic benefits could influence state energy policy discussions.
  • Campus and local energy landscape: The project could lower campus energy consumption and carbon footprint; it may serve as a demonstration project for geothermal adoption at peer institutions.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduction and first reading: April 1, 2025.
  • Committee action: Referred to Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate on the same date (no further committee actions listed here).
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee analyses, potential amendments, floor action in the Senate, and coordination with the companion House bill (HF 2912). Timelines depend on committee scheduling and legislative priorities.

Related Legislation

  • Companion bill: HF 2912 (House of Representatives)

If you need, I can tailor this summary to include hypothetical timelines, fiscal notes, or provide a side-by-side with HF 2912 once the full text or fiscal impact statements are available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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