2005 Minnesota Statutes - 116C.53 — Siting authority.

     116C.53 Siting authority. 


    Subdivision 1.    Policy.  The legislature hereby 
 declares it to be the policy of the state to locate large 
 electric power facilities in an orderly manner compatible with 
 environmental preservation and the efficient use of resources.  
 In accordance with this policy the board shall choose locations 
 that minimize adverse human and environmental impact while 
 insuring continuing electric power system reliability and 
 integrity and insuring that electric energy needs are met and 
 fulfilled in an orderly and timely fashion. 


    Subd. 2.    Jurisdiction.  The commission is hereby 
 given the authority to provide for site and route selection for 
 large electric power facilities.  The commission shall issue 
 permits for large electric power facilities in a timely fashion 
 and in a manner consistent with the overall determination of 
 need for the project under section 216B.243 or 216B.2425.  
 Questions of need, including size, type, and timing; alternative 
 system configurations; and voltage must not be included in the 
 scope of environmental review conducted under sections 116C.51 
 to 116C.69. 


    Subd. 3.    Interstate routes.  If a route is proposed 
 in two or more states, the board shall attempt to reach 
 agreement with affected states on the entry and exit points 
 prior to designating a route.  The board, in discharge of its 
 duties pursuant to sections 116C.51 to 116C.69 may make joint 
 investigations, hold joint hearings within or without the state, 
 and issue joint or concurrent orders in conjunction or 
 concurrence with any official or agency of any state or of the 
 United States.  The board may negotiate and enter into any 
 agreements or compacts with agencies of other states, pursuant 
 to any consent of Congress, for cooperative efforts in 
 certifying the construction, operation, and maintenance of large 
 electric power facilities in accord with the purposes of 
 sections 116C.51 to 116C.69 and for the enforcement of the 
 respective state laws regarding such facilities. 


    HIST: 1973 c 591 s 3; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1977 c 439 s 6; 2001 c 
 212 art 7 s 3,4; 2005 c 97 art 3 s 3