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Emerging Issues Account - Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

Emerging Issues Account

Renewable Energy Demonstration Projects at Wastewater Treatment Facilities Request for Proposals (RFP)

DEADLINE: CLOSED as of Friday, June 10, 2022 at 4:30PM

Proposals for renewable energy demonstration projects at wastewater treatment facilities are being accepted until June 10, 2022. See link below to 2022 RFP for Renewable Energy for application instructions.

The 2021 Legislature made an appropriation to the LCCMR's Emerging Issues Account specifically for renewable energy demonstration projects at wastewater treatment facilities: M.L. 2021, First Special Session, Chapter 6, Article 5, 10 for $1,095,000. These appropriations are authorized under M.S. 116P.08, Subd. 4 and can be allocated to efforts addressing an unexpected and urgent need in an expedited manner. Deadline to spend is June 30, 2024. Current balance = $1,095,000

2022 RFP for Renewable Energy Demonstration Projects Proposal Budget Template

We will update this page if any changes are made to our proposal or process. Subscribe to our email list to have updates about any changes delivered to your inbox.

Emerging Issues Account

The 2021 Legislature made 2 appropriations to the LCCMR's Emerging Issues Account: (1) M.L. 2021, First Special Session, Chapter 6, Article 5, 20c for $393,000 (deadline to spend is June 30, 2024); and (2) M.L. 2021, First Special Session, Chapter 6, Article 6, 10c for $233,000 (deadline to spend is June 30, 2024). These appropriations are authorized under M.S. 116P.08, Subd. 4 and can be allocated to efforts addressing an unexpected and urgent need in an expedited manner. Current balance = $626,000

Emerging Issues Account Criteria

The funds in the Emerging Issues Account may be recommended for an effort that has an unexpected and urgent need, such as:

  • Addressing environmental or disease issues where delay will threaten the viability of segments of the State’s natural resources or human health;
  • Implementing a natural resource corrective action where delay will be detrimental to the State’s natural resources;
  • An opportunity to enhance natural resource management in a timely manner;
  • An opportunity to acquire critical land in a timely manner.

    • Use of the funds must be consistent with the Commission’s strategic plan. Notification of the availability of the Emerging Issues Account will be posted on the LCCMR website.

    Requesting Funds

    To be considered for a LCCMR recommendation for use of the Emerging Issues Account, a letter (one page limit) must be submitted to the LCCMR requesting funds. The letter must:

  • Describe the specific urgency;
  • Explain how the request fits the emerging issues account criteria;
  • Explain the proposed use of the funds including proposed results and deliverables.

    • Attached to the letter requesting consideration of funding must be a description of the organization describing its capability to carry out the activity proposed.

    Awarding Funds

  • The Commission will review requests at least semi-annually at posted and open meetings.
  • For a request to be approved, a quorum of the Commission must be present and at least 60% of those members present must vote in favor of approval.
  • If a request is approved by the LCCMR it will be sent to the governor for consideration per M.S. 116P.08, Subd. 4.
  • If the commission recommends that funds be put in the emerging issues account and those funds are made available through the legislative process, the funds should be available starting July 1, for the same two-year period as other recommended funds.
  • Funds are available for recommendation by the commission to address unexpected and urgent needs until they are spent within the two-year period.
  • If the funds are not spent for an unexpected and urgent need before the start of the second legislative session within the two-year period, the commission may recommend that they be added to an existing Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund project that has a critical need for additional funding to achieve the goals of the project.

    • Emerging Issues Account Procedures

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