Subd. 1. Definitions.

1. (a) For the purpose of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings given them.
2. (b) "Reductions" means the greenhouse gas emissions-reductions goals specified in section 216H.02, subdivision 1.

Subd. 2. Purpose.

This section is intended to create a nonexclusive, regular, mandated process for the state to develop policies to attain the greenhouse gas reduction goals specified in section 216H.02.

Subd. 3. Biennial reduction progress report.

By January 15 of each odd-numbered year, the commissioners of commerce and the Pollution Control Agency shall jointly report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with primary policy jurisdiction over energy and environmental issues the most recent and best available evidence identifying the level of reductions already achieved and the level necessary to achieve the reductions timetable in section 216H.02. The report must be in easily understood nontechnical terms.

Subd. 4. Annual legislative proposal.

The commissioners of commerce and the Pollution Control Agency shall annually by January 15 provide to the chairs of the legislative committees with primary policy jurisdiction over energy and environmental issues proposed legislation the commissioners determine appropriate to achieve the reductions. The legislation must be based on the principles in subdivision 5. If the commissioners determine no legislation is appropriate, they shall report that determination to the chairs along with an explanation of the determination.

Subd. 5. Reduction principles.

Legislation proposed under subdivision 4 must be based on the following principles:

1. (1) the greenhouse gas emissions-reduction goals specified in section 216H.02, subdivision 1, must be attained;
2. (2) the reductions must be attained on a schedule that keeps pace with the reduction timetable required by section 216H.02, subdivision 1;
3. (3) conservation, including ceasing some activities, doing some activities less, and doing some activities more energy efficiently, is the first choice for reduction;
4. (4) public education is a key component;
5. (5) all levels of government should lead by example;
6. (6) strategies that may lead to economic dislocation should be phased in and should be coupled with strategies that address the dislocation; and
7. (7) there must be coordination with other federal and regional greenhouse gas emissions-reduction requirements so that the state benefits and is not penalized from its reduction activities.