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 for energy facilities, including considerations for public benefits, environmental impacts, and compliance with safety standards. It establishes setback requirements for solar and wind energy facilities, as well as sound level restrictions. The bill also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship, requiring applicants to take reasonable actions to mitigate impacts on local land use and natural resources. Notably, it includes provisions for apprenticeship programs and wage standards for construction workers involved in these projects. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of Senate Bill No. 438.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 460.1226