The state’s Gas Resources Technical Advisory Committee is seeking public input on draft temporary regulations for the development of gas resources in Minnesota.
With untapped and unexplored potential for both geologic hydrogen and helium resources, Minnesota has no history of gas production.
The recent discovery near Babbitt of the richest deposit of helium ever found in the world is one thing prompting officials to begin establishing a framework for these new industries.
The committee includes staff from the Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency, Environmental Quality Board, Department of Health and Department of Revenue. According to the multi-agency committee, these regulations are intended to protect natural resources and human health and to develop a fair royalty structure on state-managed lands.
The DNR is required to submit the committee’s recommendations and statutory language to the Legislature by Jan. 15. If enacted, the temporary framework will be in place while state agencies write permanent rules.
The committee will accept public input on the recommendations found at the committee’s website through Dec. 23. Anyone interested in gas resource development in Minnesota can review the recommendations put forth by committee at this website.
Input can be submitted by:
- Completing a form on the state’s Gas Resources Technical Advisory Committee website
- Emailing input to GTAC@state.mn.us
- Mailing input to Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources; Attn: GTAC; 500 Lafayette Road N., Box 45, St. Paul, MN 55155-4045
An in-person meeting in Northern Minnesota will be 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Giants Ridge Main Chalet in Biwabik.
According to a news release, the committee will consider all input received during the public input period and, if warranted, revise the draft recommendations by the end of December.
