HB 1096 Summary

• Creates new sections allowing the Public Service Commission to approve temporary operation or variance of energy facilities upon showing of good cause and certification of no adverse impacts.

• Authorizes the commission to limit access to and release of information identifying the location of cultural, archaeological, historical, or paleontological sites.

• Modifies "construction" definition to allow activities within previously permitted geographic locations or pre-1975 facility footprints for electric, gas, and liquid energy facilities without new siting authority, provided utilities certify compliance and the activities do not affect exclusion areas.

• Allows utilities to notify the commission when activities will impact avoidance areas; the commission has 30 days to approve based on no reasonable alternative, or the impact is deemed approved.

• Removes electrical standards requirements from gas and liquid energy transmission facility regulations by repealing section 49-22.1-22 of the North Dakota Century Code.