The bill amends South Dakota's current law regarding energy conversion facilities by reducing the megawattage requirement from one hundred megawatts to fifty megawatts for the generation of electricity. This change applies to various types of facilities, including energy conversion, wind energy, and solar energy facilities. The bill also clarifies definitions within the law, such as modifying the term "associated facilities" to include specific infrastructure like aqueducts and cooling ponds, and updating the definition of "siting area" to reflect areas determined by the commission to be affected by proposed facilities.

Additionally, the bill modifies the criteria for considering a facility as "modified" by changing the threshold for the nameplate generating capacity increase from one hundred megawatts to fifty megawatts. This adjustment aims to streamline the permitting process for smaller energy projects, potentially encouraging the development of renewable energy sources in the state. Overall, the bill seeks to facilitate the growth of energy conversion facilities by lowering the barriers to entry for new projects.

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