SENATE BILL No. 698

 

 

August 30, 2007, Introduced by Senators GARCIA and GLEASON and referred to the Committee on Energy Policy and Public Utilities.

 

 

 

     A bill to amend 1995 PA 30, entitled

 

"Electric transmission line certification act,"

 

by amending section 10 (MCL 460.570), as amended by 2004 PA 198,

 

and by adding section 5a.

 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

 

     Sec. 5a. A transmission line installed after the effective

 

date of the amendatory act that added this section that extends for

 

more than 5 miles in a township with a population of between 10,000

 

and 15,000 shall be constructed underground within that township.

 

The electric utility, affiliated transmission company, or

 

independent transmission company constructing the transmission line

 

shall bear the cost of placing that transmission line underground.

 

     Sec. 10. (1) If Except as otherwise provided in this act, if

 

the commission grants a certificate under this act, that

 


certificate shall take precedence over a conflicting local

 

ordinance, law, rule, regulation, policy, or practice that

 

prohibits or regulates the location or construction of a

 

transmission line for which the commission has issued a

 

certificate.

 

     (2) A zoning ordinance or limitation imposed after an electric

 

utility, affiliated transmission company, or independent

 

transmission company files for a certificate shall not limit or

 

impair the transmission line's construction, operation, or

 

maintenance.

 

     (3) In an eminent domain or other related proceeding arising

 

out of or related to a transmission line for which a certificate is

 

issued, a certificate issued under this act is conclusive and

 

binding as to the public convenience and necessity for that

 

transmission line and its compatibility with the public health and

 

safety or any zoning or land use requirements in effect when the

 

application was filed.