This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding the construction and replacement of electrical generating plants by allowing utilities to replace an existing plant or construct a new one immediately adjacent to an existing plant without the need for a new certificate of environmental compatibility (CEC). Under the current law, utilities must file an application for a CEC before constructing a plant or transmission line. The bill introduces new provisions that specify conditions under which a utility can bypass this requirement, including providing 30 days' written notice to the commission and holding a public comment session in the relevant county.

The new provisions also stipulate that the new or replacement plant must be located on or adjacent to a site of a plant that has previously received a CEC or was authorized before August 13, 1971. Additionally, the aggregate nameplate rating of all plants on the site after construction must be equal to or greater than that of the existing plants before construction. These changes aim to streamline the process for utilities while ensuring that environmental considerations remain in place.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 40-360.03