The proposed bill establishes the Energy Facilities Siting Commission in New Jersey, tasked with overseeing the siting of new and expanded energy facilities. The commission will consist of five members with expertise in energy, engineering, and land use planning, appointed by various state leaders. Its primary responsibilities include preparing siting criteria, proposing site designations, and reviewing applications for energy facility construction. The bill emphasizes public engagement through meetings and hearings to gather community input on proposed sites and mandates the commission to publish siting criteria within one year of enactment.

Additionally, the bill grants the commission the authority to exempt energy facilities constructed on designated sites from state and local land-use regulations, thereby streamlining the approval process. It supersedes municipal or county regulations regarding energy facility siting and allows the commission to adopt necessary operational rules. The legislation also clarifies the commission's jurisdiction over energy facility siting and ensures that owners or operators of certified facilities are eligible for state funding or grants, promoting energy production while minimizing restrictions on facility locations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27F-15