This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding a new section, 40-360.14, to the Arizona Revised Statutes. It allows utilities to construct new plants without the need for a certificate of environmental compatibility, provided they meet specific conditions. These conditions include giving thirty days' written notice to the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and holding at least one public comment session in the county where the plant is located. Additionally, the new plant must be co-located with an extra high load factor customer who has received all necessary zoning entitlements, and the utility must be a public service corporation or public power entity operating in Arizona.

The bill explicitly states that it overrides existing requirements outlined in sections 40-360.03 and 40-360.07, which currently mandate that utilities must obtain a certificate before constructing plants or transmission lines. By removing this requirement under certain conditions, the bill aims to streamline the process for utilities while ensuring that public engagement and zoning compliance are maintained.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 40-360.14
House Engrossed Version: 40-360.14