HF 3125

1st Engrossment - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 03/08/2010 01:21pm

A bill for an act
relating to utilities; regulating the granting of route permits for high-voltage
transmission lines; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 216E.03, by
adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 216E.03, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 7a. new text end

new text begin Preferred route for high-voltage transmission lines. new text end

new text begin In issuing a
route permit for a high-voltage transmission line, the commission shall, consistent with
applicable laws, with the provisions of subdivision 7, with the safe and efficient operation
of transportation systems, and with a policy of prudent avoidance that minimizes the
proximity of overhead high-voltage transmission lines to residences, schools, child care
facilities, day camps, and hospitals, where avoidance is costless or can be achieved at
low cost, give priority consideration to utilizing existing utility, highway, and publicly
owned railway corridors. The term corridor means land in or in reasonable proximity to
an existing utility, publicly owned railway or highway easement or right-of-way. The
commission shall also give consideration to placing high-voltage transmission lines
underground.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTING; DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION ROLE.
new text end

new text begin (a) The Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Transportation must
cooperate to develop and implement procedures and policies to efficiently carry out the
policy established in new Minnesota Statutes, section 216E.03, subdivision 7a. The
policies and procedures must allow for the Department of Transportation's participation in
the transmission planning and route permitting process in order to coordinate transmission
routing with any applicable Department of Transportation permitting processes.
new text end

new text begin (b) The Public Utilities Commission must report any statutory amendments required
by the policies and procedures developed under paragraph (a) to the members of the senate
and house of representatives committees with primary jurisdiction over energy policy and
transportation policy by January 15, 2011.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end