HB3681: Relating to energy facilities.

Legislative Summary

Makes changes to the EFSC site certificate process. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.2). Requires the Energy Facility Siting Council to conclude a contested case and issue a final order within 12 months from the date of a proposed order. [Provides that any final order issued by the council is appealable directly to the Supreme Court.] Requires the council to include in all final orders approving or rejecting an application for a site certificate or amended site certificate any decisions related to or arising from a contested case on the application. Requires a petitioner to establish individual or associational standing to appeal a final order. Provides that the council's approval or rejection of an application or request for an amendment, including decisions related to or arising from a contested case on the application or request, is conferred upon the Supreme Court. [Allows a holder of a site certificate to file a notice for minor changes to the site boundaries of an energy facility. Allows a holder of a site certificate for certain energy facilities to file a request to extend by up to three years the deadlines by which construction of a facility must begin or be completed as specified in the site certificate.] [Narrows the criteria by which the Public Utility Commission reviews a petition for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for overhead transmission lines. Directs the commission to review a petition for a certificate of public convenience and necessity without requiring a petitioner to first obtain any required land use approvals.] [Allows the use of a site certificate for a high voltage transmission line as conclusive evidence of public use and necessity for any proceeding for condemnation of land or an interest therein. Allows a high voltage transmission line that has been designated as having statewide significance by a regional transmission authority that is established under state law to be placed in areas zoned for exclusive farm use.] Allows a person who holds a site certificate to request to add area to the approved site boundary without the council requiring an amendment to the site certificate.