This bill amends the Energy Facility Siting Act to make various changes. It adds new sections that include legislative findings and declare the policy of the state to ensure that energy facilities are planned and built in a timely and orderly fashion, based on long-term energy need forecasts, and with the least possible adverse effects on the environment. The bill also amends the definitions section of the Act to include new definitions for "advisory agencies," "alteration," "Board," "Host community," "Major generating facility," and "Major non-generating facility."

The bill establishes the siting board as part of state government and increases the number of members from three to five. The board is responsible for making decisions on licensing and may engage consultants or expert witnesses as needed. The bill also amends the current law regarding the powers and duties of the siting board, empowers the board to summon witnesses, examine evidence, and issue orders, rules, or regulations as necessary, and grants host communities intervenor status as of right. The bill also establishes procedures for the review of applications and sets forth requirements for public notice and hearing.