The bill amends the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act by introducing new provisions regarding the application process for energy facility certificates. It mandates that applicants provide a one-time grant to affected local units, with a maximum of $75,000 per unit and $150,000 total, to support their participation in contested case proceedings. Additionally, the bill requires applicants to publish notices about their applications in local newspapers or digital platforms, ensuring that the information is accessible and understandable to the public. The commission is tasked with conducting contested case proceedings and may assess application fees to cover administrative costs.

Furthermore, the bill outlines specific criteria that must be met for the commission to grant a certificate, including considerations for public benefits, environmental impacts, and compliance with various standards. It establishes setback requirements for solar, wind, and energy storage facilities, as well as sound level restrictions. The bill also emphasizes the importance of community improvements and the use of apprenticeship programs for construction workers. If construction does not commence within five years of certificate issuance, the certificate becomes invalid, although extensions may be granted under certain conditions. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of Senate Bill No. 438.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 460.1226