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 accessible formats and outlines the commission's responsibilities in conducting proceedings, assessing application fees, and issuing certificates within one year of a complete application.

Furthermore, the bill establishes specific criteria for evaluating applications, including considerations for environmental impacts, public health, and safety. It sets forth requirements for energy facilities, such as setback distances, sound limits, and compliance with environmental regulations. The bill also emphasizes the importance of community benefits and the use of registered apprenticeship programs for construction work. Notably, it includes provisions for energy storage facilities and stipulates that if construction does not commence within five years of certificate issuance, the certificate becomes invalid, although extensions may be granted under certain conditions.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 460.1226