HB 2496 Initials PAB Page 1 Caucus & COW ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-sixth Legislature First Regular Session House: NREW DPA 6-4-0-0 HB 2496: transmission lines; definition Sponsor: Representative Griffin, LD 19 Caucus & COW Overview Adds, to the definition of transmission line, the requirement that the series of new structures transmitting electricity be more than one-fourth mile long. History The Arizona Corporation Commission's Powerplant and Transmission Line Siting Committee was created to provide a single public forum for resolving issues related to where electric generating plants and transmission lines will be located (Laws 1971, Chapter 67).To build a transmission line, a utility or private developer must apply for and obtain a certificate of environmental compatibility from the committee and the Arizona Corporation Commission (A.R.S. § 40-360.03). The committee reviews the application and holds hearings, takes testimony from affected parties and evaluates evidence to determine, based on factors established in statute such as the proposal's technical feasibility and environmental impact, whether to issue or deny the certificate. The committee may choose to impose conditions on the certificate (A.R.S. §§ 40-360.04 and 40- 360.06). If approved, the certificate is forwarded to the Arizona Corporation Commission for review and final approval (A.R.S. § 40-360.07). Under current statute, a transmission line must undergo this review and approval process based solely on whether it consists of a series of new, aboveground structures that support conductors transmitting electricity at a nominal voltage of 150,000 volts or more (A.R.S. § 40-360(10)). Provisions 1. Adds, to the definition of transmission line, the requirement that the series of new structures transmitting electricity must be more than one-fourth mile long. (Sec. 1) 2. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1) ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note