The bill amends the Energy Facility Siting Act to expand the review and oversight of regional transmission spending by the energy facilities siting board. It introduces new definitions, including "advanced conductor," "dynamic line rating," "grid-enhancing technology," and "energy storage as a distribution or transmission asset."

The bill emphasizes the importance of considering the net-zero mandate from the 2021 Act on Climate when evaluating applications for energy facilities. It requires the board to assess how proposed projects may advance or delay greenhouse gas emissions reductions and to consider other climate change impacts, such as pollutant emissions and predicted sea level rise.

Additionally, applicants for energy facility projects must indicate their consideration of advanced conductors and grid-enhancing technologies, as well as the use of existing rights-of-way for transmission line infrastructure to expedite the licensing process. If existing rights-of-way are not utilized, applicants must explain their reasoning. The bill also requires applicants to demonstrate how their projects fulfill regional needs and to justify the necessity of projects that do not meet such needs.

Furthermore, the energy facility siting board is tasked with establishing regulations for the construction of high-voltage transmission lines, including the replacement, rebuilding, or expansion of existing transmission line infrastructure. This act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7068: 39-25-3