Substitute House Bill No. 5361, titled "AN ACT CONCERNING THE SITING OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN THE STATE," amends Connecticut's general statutes to redefine certain aspects of renewable energy facility siting. The bill introduces a new definition for "solar canopy" and exempts solar canopies and rooftop facilities from the definition of a "facility" that requires Siting Council approval. It also makes a grammatical change in the language pertaining to facilities that utilize renewable energy sources. The bill's fiscal impact statement indicates no fiscal impact to the state or municipalities.

Additionally, the bill requires the Siting Council to consider testimony from the chief elected official of the municipality where a renewable energy facility is proposed. For solar photovoltaic facilities with a generating capacity greater than one megawatt, located near an existing large facility within five miles of a municipality's border, the Siting Council must adhere to the municipal chief executive officer's decision if submitted within 30 days after receiving the certificate application. The bill was reported favorably by the Energy and Technology Committee and is effective upon passage. It is related to other bills addressing similar issues concerning the Siting Council and facility siting.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 16-50i, 16-50p
ET Joint Favorable Substitute: 16-50i, 16-50p
File No. 365: 16-50i, 16-50p