The bill amends South Dakota's existing law regarding energy conversion facilities by reducing the megawattage requirement for these facilities from one hundred megawatts to fifty megawatts. This change applies to the definitions of "energy conversion facility," "wind energy facility," and "solar energy facility," allowing for the construction and operation of facilities capable of generating fifty megawatts or more of electricity. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "associated facilities" and modifies the term "siting area" to better reflect the areas affected by proposed energy conversion facilities.

Furthermore, the bill updates the criteria for when a facility is considered modified, specifically stating that an increase in the nameplate generating capacity of an energy conversion facility must be by a net additional fifty megawatts or greater. This amendment aims to streamline the regulatory process for energy facilities in South Dakota, potentially encouraging the development of new energy projects and expansions that meet the revised capacity thresholds.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/27/2025: 49-41B-2, 49-41B-2.2