ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

House: NREW DPA 6-3-0-0

HB 2003: replacement lines; structures; commission hearings

Sponsor: Representative Griffin, LD 19

Caucus & COW

Overview

Allows a utility that previously received a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (Certificate) to replace a cable or wire on a transmission line or an existing structure with a new structure.

History

To build a transmission line, a utility is required to apply for and obtain a Certificate from the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and the Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee (Committee) established by Laws 1971, Chapter 67.

The Committee reviews the application, conducts hearings, takes testimony from affected parties and evaluates evidence to determine if specified factors related to technical feasibility and environmental impact are met. If an application is approved by the Committee, the Certificate is forwarded to the ACC for review and final approval (A.R.S. §§ 40-360.03, 40-360.04, 40-360.06, 40-360.07).

Under current law, a transmission line is subject to the review and approval process if it consists of: 1) five or more new structures that span more than one mile in length as measured from the first structure outside of the substation; 2) a switchyard or generating site to which the line connects to the fifth structure; and 3) aboveground structures that support conductors transmitting electricity at a nominal voltage of 150,000 volts or more (A.R.S. § 40-360).

Provisions

1.   ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal NoteAllows a utility to replace a cable or wire on a transmission line or replace an existing structure with a new structure without receiving a new Certificate or holding a hearing if the replacement is within a site that previously received a certificate.

2.   Makes technical changes.

Amendments

Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water

1.   Clarifies that a utility can replace a conductor or wire on a transmission line or an existing transmission line structure without seeking a new Certificate or holding a hearing if the replacement is on a transmission line that previously received a certificate or that was in use or authorized before August 13, 1971.

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5.                     HB 2003

6.   Initials EB/BSR  Page 0 Caucus & COW

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