When the Power Plant Siting Act was passed in 1973, the EQB was granted the authority to adopt rules to implement the requirements of the Act. Minnesota Statutes section 116C.66. The EQB first adopted rules for power plant siting in 1974. Minnesota Rules MEQB 71-75. These rules have been amended several times since and are now found at Minnesota Rules chapter 4400. On May 21, 2001, the Legislature passed a comprehensive energy bill that included significant changes in the Power Plant Siting Act. The bill was signed into law by Governor Ventura on May 29, 2001.