(a) The commissioner of employment and economic development, in consultation with the commissioner of commerce, shall lead a multiagency project to advise, promote, market, and coordinate state agency collaboration on green enterprise and green economy projects, as defined in section 116J.437. The multiagency project must include the commissioners of employment and economic development, natural resources, agriculture, transportation, and commerce and the Pollution Control Agency. The project must involve collaboration with the chairs and ranking minority members of legislative committees overseeing energy policy and energy finance, state agencies, local governments, representatives from business and agriculture, and other interested stakeholders. The objective of the project is to utilize existing state resources to expedite the delivery of grants, licenses, permits, and other state authorizations and approvals for green economy projects. The commissioner shall appoint a lead person to coordinate green enterprise assistance activities.

(b) The commissioner of employment and economic development shall seek out and may select persons from the business community to assist the commissioner in project activities.

(c) The commissioner may accept gifts, contributions, and in-kind services for the purposes of this section, under the authority provided in section 116J.035, subdivision 1. Any funds received must be placed in a special revenue account for the purposes of this section.