HB 2496
Initials PAB Page 1 Transmitted
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
First Regular Session
House: NREW DPA 6-4-0-0 | 3
rd
Read 38-22-0-0
Senate: NREW DP 5-2-0-0 | 3
rd
Read 16-13-1-0
HB 2496: transmission lines; definition
Sponsor: Representative Griffin, LD 19
Transmitted to the Governor
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. Redefines transmission line as a series of five or more new structures that span more than a
mile as measured between the following two points:
a) The first structure outside of the substation, switchyard or generating site to which the line
connects; and
b) The fifth structure. (Sec. 1)
2. Specifies that these structures must be above ground. (Sec. 1)
3. Clarifies that a transmission line does not include structures located on the substation,
switchyard or generating site to which the line connects. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note