ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

HB 2437: transmission lines; applications; exceptions

Sponsor: Representative Griffin, LD 19

Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Overview

Exempts a transmission line from being required to obtain a certificate of environmental compatibility if the line and its associated right-of-way is on land entirely owned in fee simple by one or more owners of the transmission line.

History

The Arizona Corporation Commission's Powerplant and Transmission Line Siting Committee was created to provide a single public forum for resolving issues related to where electric generating plants and transmission lines will be located (Laws 1971, Chapter 67).To build a transmission line, a utility or private developer must apply for and obtain a certificate of environmental compatibility from the committee and the Arizona Corporation Commission (A.R.S. § 40-360.03). The committee reviews the application and holds hearings, takes testimony from affected parties and evaluates evidence to determine, based on factors established in statute such as the proposal's technical feasibility and environmental impact, whether to issue or deny the certificate. The committee may choose to impose conditions on the certificate (A.R.S. §§ 40-360.04 and 40-360.06). If approved, the certificate is forwarded to the Arizona Corporation Commission for review and final approval (A.R.S. § 40-360.07).

Provisions

1. Exempts a proposed transmission line from being required to obtain a certificate of environmental compatibility if the line and its associated right-of-way is on land entirely owned in fee simple by one or more owners of the transmission line. (Sec. 1)

2. Clarifies that land held in fee simple by an affiliate of one or more owners of the transmission line is considered held by the "owners of the transmission line" if each owner of the affiliate has an ownership interest in the line. (Sec. 1)

3. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1 and 2)

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7. HB 2437

8. Initials PAB Page 0 Natural Resources, Energy & Water

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