Section 116C.06 Hearings

MINNESOTA STATUTES AND CODES

116C.06 HEARINGS.

Subdivision 1.Process.

The board shall hold public hearings on matters that it determines to be of major environmental impact. The board shall prescribe by rule in conformity to the provisions of chapter 14, the procedures for the conduct of all hearings and review procedures.

Subd. 2.Delegation to hearings officer.

The board may delegate its authority to conduct a hearing to a hearings officer. The hearings officer shall have the same power as the board to compel the attendance of witnesses to examine them under oath, to require the production of books, papers, and other evidence, and to issue subpoenas and cause the same to be served and executed in any part of the state. The hearings officer shall be knowledgeable in matters of law and the environment.

If a hearings officer conducts a hearing, the officer shall make findings of fact and submit them to the board. The transcript of testimony and exhibits shall constitute the exclusive record upon which such findings are made. The findings shall be available for public inspection.

Subd. 3.Recommendations.

After receipt of the findings of fact of the hearings officer, the board shall make recommendations to the governor and legislature as to administrative and legislative actions to be considered in regard to the matter.