General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5551 proposes significant amendments to the operational structure and procedures of the Connecticut Siting Council. Key changes include a reorganization of council membership to include the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, the chairperson of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, and appointed members with specific ecological qualifications. The bill mandates that the council cannot initiate proceedings without these officials' participation and introduces provisions for appointing ad hoc members. Additionally, the council is required to employ staff with expertise in engineering and financial analysis, and to consult with multiple state departments before hearings. The bill also establishes a compensation limit of $200 per day for council members attending meetings, aiming to enhance transparency and effectiveness while preventing conflicts of interest.

Further amendments focus on the application process for facility certifications, including the replacement of "Department" with "Commissioner" for relevant state departments and ensuring that comments from these officials are accessible before hearings. The bill introduces a municipal participation fee structure, mandates comprehensive information from applicants regarding environmental impacts, and requires detailed financial analyses. It also modifies notification processes for municipalities and property owners, ensuring public awareness of applications. The bill emphasizes the importance of community engagement and environmental considerations, while also establishing the Consumer Counsel as a party in proceedings that may affect electric rates, thereby enhancing consumer representation in regulatory matters. Overall, Raised Bill No. 5551 seeks to improve the transparency, accountability, and efficiency of the Siting Council's operations.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 16-50n, 16-19d, 16-243gg, 16-50p