The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 3, aims to amend existing laws regarding the construction of large electric generating facilities (LEGF), specifically focusing on solar and wind projects. Under current law, a person cannot begin construction of an LEGF without obtaining a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) from the Public Service Commission (PSC). This bill introduces a requirement that before the PSC can approve a certificate of authority (CA) or a CPCN for solar or wind projects with a capacity of 15 megawatts or more, the project must first receive approval from each city, village, and town where the project is to be located. Municipalities are required to act on the approval request within 90 days, or the project is automatically considered approved if they fail to do so.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the limitations on political subdivisions' authority to regulate solar and wind energy systems do not apply to the approval process for these projects. It creates new legal provisions that outline the definitions of solar and wind projects, the approval process, and the conditions under which municipalities can extend the approval timeline. The PSC is prohibited from issuing a CPCN or CA for a solar or wind project unless all relevant municipalities have adopted a resolution approving the project. This legislation aims to enhance local control over renewable energy projects while ensuring that the approval process is clearly defined and time-bound.

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