Assembly Bill 7 aims to amend existing statutes regarding the approval process for large solar and wind energy projects in Wisconsin. The bill introduces a requirement that before the Public Service Commission (PSC) can grant a certificate of authority (CA) or a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) for the construction of 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 adopt a resolution to approve or disapprove the project within 90 days of receiving the request, with the possibility of extending this period under certain conditions.

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 also specifies that the PSC cannot issue a CPCN or CA unless all relevant municipalities have approved the project. The bill includes new legal language that establishes these requirements and modifies existing statutes to reflect these changes, ensuring local governments have a significant role in the approval of renewable energy projects.

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