SB 2558 Summary

• Prohibits state and county agencies from permitting new fossil-fueled electricity-generating facilities exceeding 2.0 megawatts or expansions of existing facilities exceeding 2.0 megawatts of incremental capacity, effective July 1, 2010, unless the applicant is an electric utility demonstrating compliance with renewable energy portfolio standards under part V of chapter 269.

• Prohibits electric utility companies from purchasing electricity from fossil-fueled facilities built after December 31, 2010, unless the utility demonstrates present and projected future compliance with renewable energy portfolio standards.

• Exempts retrofitting or replacement of existing electricity-generating units undertaken to improve operational efficiency or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Authorizes the governor to suspend these restrictions without public hearing if an imminent peril to public health and safety is declared, with a hearing before the public utilities commission to be held within 60 days.

• Takes effect July 1, 2010, and does not affect rights, duties, or proceedings that existed before the effective date.