Minnesota Administrative Rules

7850.4100 FACTORS CONSIDERED.

In determining whether to issue a permit for a large electric power generating plant or a high voltage transmission line, the commission shall consider the following:

A.

effects on human settlement, including, but not limited to, displacement, noise, aesthetics, cultural values, recreation, and public services;

B.

effects on public health and safety;

C.

effects on land-based economies, including, but not limited to, agriculture, forestry, tourism, and mining;

D.

effects on archaeological and historic resources;

E.

effects on the natural environment, including effects on air and water quality resources and flora and fauna;

F.

effects on rare and unique natural resources;

G.

application of design options that maximize energy efficiencies, mitigate adverse environmental effects, and could accommodate expansion of transmission or generating capacity;

H.

use or paralleling of existing rights-of-way, survey lines, natural division lines, and agricultural field boundaries;

I.

use of existing large electric power generating plant sites;

J.

use of existing transportation, pipeline, and electrical transmission systems or rights-of-way;

K.

electrical system reliability;

L.

costs of constructing, operating, and maintaining the facility which are dependent on design and route;

M.

adverse human and natural environmental effects which cannot be avoided; and

N.

irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 116C.66; 216E.16

History:

27 SR 1295; L 2005 c 97 art 3 s 19

Published Electronically:

September 18, 2009