Senate Bill 3 aims to amend existing statutes regarding the construction of large electric generating facilities (LEGF), specifically focusing on solar and wind projects. The bill introduces a requirement that before the Public Service Commission (PSC) can approve a certificate of authority (CA) or a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) for such projects, the applicant must first obtain approval from each city, village, and town where the project is proposed. Municipalities are mandated to adopt a resolution to approve or disapprove the project within 90 days of receiving the request, with the possibility of extensions under certain conditions. Additionally, the bill clarifies that existing limitations on political subdivisions' authority to regulate solar and wind energy systems do not apply to the approval process for these projects.

The bill also includes specific definitions for solar and wind projects, which are categorized as facilities designed for nominal operation at a capacity of 15 megawatts or more. It establishes that the PSC cannot issue a CPCN or CA for a solar or wind project unless all relevant municipalities have approved the project through a resolution. Furthermore, the bill creates new subsections in the statutes that outline these requirements and clarify that the limitations on political subdivisions' authority do not apply to the approval process for solar and wind projects.

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