§ 216I.27 — Enforcement, Penalties
Plain-Language Summary
This section sets out the penalties for violating the Minnesota Energy Infrastructure Permitting Act. A first violation — such as building a large energy facility without a permit or submitting false information — is a misdemeanor. A second or later violation is a gross misdemeanor. Each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense. Courts can also impose civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation. The attorney general, at the PUC's request, can bring court actions to stop violations through injunctions or other legal remedies.
216I.27 ENFORCEMENT, PENALTIES.
§
Subdivision 1.Criminal penalty.
Any person who violates this chapter or any rule promulgated hereunder, or knowingly submits false information in any report required by this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor for the first offense and a gross misdemeanor for the second and each subsequent offense. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense. §
Subd. 2.Enforcement.
The provisions of this chapter or any rules promulgated hereunder may be enforced by injunction, action to compel performance or other appropriate action in the district court of the county wherein the violation takes place. The attorney general shall bring any action under this subdivision upon the request of the commission. §
Subd. 3.Civil penalty.
When the court finds that any person has violated this chapter, any rule hereunder, knowingly submitted false information in any report required by this chapter, or has violated any court order issued under this chapter, the court may impose a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation. These penalties shall be paid to the general fund in the state treasury.
History:
1973 c 591 s 18; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1977 c 439 s 24; 2005 c 97 art 3 s 19; 2024 c 126 art 7 s 14; 2024 c 127 art 43 s 14
**NOTE: **This chapter, as added by Laws 2024, chapter 126, articles 7 and 9, and Laws 2024, chapter 127, articles 43 and 45, is effective July 1, 2025. Laws 2024, chapter 126, article 7, section 16; and Laws 2024, chapter 127, article 43, section 16.
Before July 1, 2025, see also 2022 Minnesota Statutes and 2023 Minnesota Statutes Supplement, chapters 216E and 216F, as applicable.
History: History: 1973 c 591 s 18; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1977 c 439 s 24; 2005 c 97 art 3 s 19; 2024 c 126 art 7 s 14; 2024 c 127 art 43 s 14