Senate Bill 3 aims to amend existing laws regarding the approval process for large solar and wind energy projects in Wisconsin. Currently, the Public Service Commission (PSC) must grant a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) for large electric generating facilities, defined as those with a capacity of 100 megawatts or more. The bill introduces a new definition for solar and wind projects, specifying that these projects must have a nominal operating capacity of 15 megawatts or more. Importantly, the bill requires that before the PSC can approve a certificate of authority (CA) or CPCN for these projects, the applicant must first obtain approval from each city, village, and town where the project is to be located. Municipalities are mandated to respond to approval requests within 90 days, with the possibility of extensions under certain conditions.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing limitations on the authority of political subdivisions to regulate solar and wind energy systems. It clarifies that these limitations do not apply to the approval or disapproval of solar and wind projects, allowing municipalities greater control over such projects. The PSC is prohibited from issuing a CPCN or CA unless all relevant municipalities have adopted resolutions approving the project. This legislative change aims to enhance local governance in the approval process for renewable energy projects, ensuring that community input is considered before large-scale developments proceed.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 66.0401(1m)(intro.), 66.0401