Assembly Bill 7 aims to amend existing statutes regarding the approval process for large solar and wind 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 municipality (city, village, or 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 deadline 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 definitions for solar and wind projects and establishes that the existing procedures for political subdivisions regarding wind energy systems do not apply to the approval process outlined in this bill.

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