1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to energy; regulating the routing process for high-voltage transmission 
1.3 	lines; prohibiting the designation of a preferred route in the permitting process; 
1.4 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216E.03, subdivision 3.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216E.03, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
1.7 		Subd. 3.Application. Any person seeking to construct a large electric power 
1.8 	generating plant or a high-voltage transmission line must apply to the commission for a 
1.9 	site or route permit. The application shall contain such information as the commission 
1.10 	may require. The applicant shall propose at least two sites for a large electric power 
1.11 	generating plant and two routes for a high-voltage transmission line. Neither of the two 
1.12 	proposed routes may be designated as a preferred route and all proposed routes must be 
1.13 	numbered and designated as alternatives. The commission shall determine whether an 
1.14 	application is complete and advise the applicant of any deficiencies within ten days of 
1.15 	receipt. An application is not incomplete if information not in the application can be 
1.16 	obtained from the applicant during the first phase of the process and that information is 
1.17 	not essential for notice and initial public meetings.

1.18 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.