HB 5213 Summary

• Establishes decision timelines for the Connecticut Siting Council: 12 months for major energy facilities, 180 days for certain other facilities (extendable by 180 days with applicant consent), and 90 days for amendment proceedings

• Requires the council to consider manufacturer's safety standards, technological options to minimize environmental impacts, and adds new findings for solar facilities regarding agricultural land productivity and distance from schools (750 feet minimum)

• Authorizes the council to request the Attorney General to bring civil action seeking up to $10,000 in penalties and attorney fees if parties intentionally omit or misrepresent material facts in applications

• Modifies fuel cell exemptions from certification requirements and expands them to include fuel cells rated at one megawatt or higher or operating at natural gas pressures exceeding 150 pounds per square inch

• Requires municipalities to provide siting preferences for telecommunications towers within 30 days and allows the council to consider municipal alternative site selections as part of the regular approval process