Senate Bill sb0888e2

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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



  1                      A bill to be entitled

  2         An act relating to energy; creating the Florida

  3         Energy Commission, which is located within the

  4         Office of Legislative Services for

  5         administrative purposes; providing for the

  6         membership of the commission; providing for

  7         appointment, terms of office, and

  8         qualifications of members; providing for voting

  9         members to be reimbursed for per diem and

10         travel expenses; providing for meetings of the

11         commission; authorizing the commission to

12         employ staff; requiring that the commission

13         develop policy recommendations; requiring an

14         annual report to the Legislature; requiring a

15         study and a report to the Governor and

16         Legislature concerning the electric

17         transmission grid; creating s. 377.801, F.S.;

18         creating the "Florida Renewable Energy

19         Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act";

20         creating s. 377.802, F.S.; stating the purpose

21         of the act; creating s. 377.803, F.S.;

22         providing definitions; creating s. 377.804,

23         F.S.; creating the Renewable Energy

24         Technologies Grants Program; providing program

25         requirements and procedures, including matching

26         funds; requiring the Department of

27         Environmental Protection to coordinate with the

28         Department of Agriculture and Consumer

29         Services; requiring joint departmental approval

30         for the funding of any bioenergy project;

31         creating s. 377.805, F.S.; creating the Energy


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         Efficient Appliance Rebate Program; providing

 2         program requirements, procedures, and

 3         limitations; creating s. 377.8055, F.S.;

 4         providing a sales tax holiday for energy

 5         efficient products; providing for rules;

 6         creating s. 377.806, F.S.; creating the Solar

 7         Energy System Incentives Program; providing

 8         definitions; creating the solar photovoltaic

 9         incentive program; providing eligibility

10         requirements; providing rebate amounts;

11         creating the solar thermal incentive program;

12         providing for eligibility; providing rebate

13         amounts; providing rulemaking authority to the

14         Public Service Commission; requiring the

15         Florida Solar Energy Center to certify the

16         performance of solar equipment sold and

17         installed in the state; amending s. 212.08,

18         F.S.; providing definitions for the terms

19         "biodiesel" and "ethanol"; providing tax

20         exemptions for the sale or use of certain

21         energy efficient products; providing

22         eligibility requirements and tax credit limits;

23         directing the department to adopt rules;

24         directing the department to determine and

25         publish certain information relating to such

26         exemptions; amending s. 213.053, F.S.;

27         authorizing the Department of Revenue to share

28         certain information with the Department of

29         Environmental Protection for specified

30         purposes; amending s. 220.02, F.S.; providing

31         the order of application of the renewable


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         energy technologies investment tax credit;

 2         creating s. 220.192, F.S.; establishing a

 3         corporate tax credit for certain costs related

 4         to renewable energy technologies; providing

 5         eligibility requirements and credit limits;

 6         providing certain authority to the Department

 7         of Environmental Protection and the Department

 8         of Revenue; directing the Department of

 9         Environmental Protection to determine and

10         publish certain information; amending s.

11         220.13, F.S.; providing an addition to the

12         definition of "adjusted federal income";

13         amending s. 186.801, F.S.; revising the

14         provisions of electric utility 10-year site

15         plans to include the effect on fuel diversity;

16         amending s. 366.04, F.S.; revising the safety

17         standards for public utilities; amending s.

18         366.05, F.S.; authorizing the Public Service

19         Commission to adopt certain construction

20         standards and make certain determinations;

21         amending s. 403.503, F.S.; revising and

22         providing definitions applicable to the Florida

23         Electrical Power Plant Siting Act; amending s.

24         403.504, F.S.; providing the Department of

25         Environmental Protection with additional powers

26         and duties relating to the Florida Electrical

27         Power Plant Siting Act; amending s. 403.5055,

28         F.S.; revising provisions for certain permits

29         associated with applications for electrical

30         power plant certification; amending s. 403.506,

31         F.S.; revising provisions relating to


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         applicability and certification of certain

 2         power plants; amending s. 403.5064, F.S.;

 3         revising provisions for distribution of

 4         applications and schedules relating to

 5         certification; amending s. 403.5065, F.S.;

 6         revising provisions relating to the appointment

 7         of administrative law judges; amending s.

 8         403.5066, F.S.; revising provisions relating to

 9         the determination of completeness for certain

10         applications; creating s. 403.50663, F.S.;

11         authorizing certain local governments and

12         regional planning councils to hold an

13         informational public meeting; providing

14         requirements and procedures therefor; creating

15         s. 403.50665, F.S.; requiring local governments

16         to file certain land use determinations;

17         providing requirements and procedures therefor;

18         repealing s. 403.5067, F.S.; relating to the

19         determination of sufficiency for certain

20         applications; amending s. 403.507, F.S.;

21         revising required statement provisions for

22         affected agencies; amending s. 403.508, F.S.;

23         revising provisions related to land use and

24         certification proceedings; requiring certain

25         notice; amending s. 403.509, F.S.; revising

26         provisions related to the final disposition of

27         certain applications; providing requirements

28         and provisions with respect thereto; amending

29         s. 403.511, F.S.; revising provisions related

30         to the effect of certification for the

31         construction and operation of proposed power


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         plants; providing that issuance of

 2         certification meets certain consistency

 3         requirements; creating s. 403.5112, F.S.;

 4         requiring filing of notice for certified

 5         corridor routes; providing requirements and

 6         procedures with respect thereto; creating s.

 7         403.5113, F.S.; authorizing postcertification

 8         amendments for power plant site certification

 9         applications; providing requirements and

10         procedures with respect thereto; amending s.

11         403.5115, F.S.; requiring certain public notice

12         for activities related to power plant site

13         application, certification, and land use

14         determination; providing requirements and

15         procedures with respect thereto; directing the

16         Department of Environmental Protection to

17         maintain certain lists and provide copies to of

18         certain publications; amending s. 403.513,

19         F.S.; revising provisions for judicial review

20         of appeals related to power plant site

21         certification; amending s. 403.516, F.S.;

22         revising provisions relating to modification of

23         certification for power plant sites; amending

24         s. 403.517, F.S.; revising the provisions

25         relating to supplemental applications for

26         certain power plant sites; amending s.

27         403.5175, F.S.; revising provisions relating to

28         existing power plant site certification;

29         revising the procedure for reviewing and

30         processing applications; requiring additional

31         information to be included in certain


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         applications; amending s. 403.518, F.S.;

 2         revising the allocation of proceeds from

 3         certain fees collected; providing for

 4         reimbursement of certain expenses; directing

 5         the Department of Environmental Protection to

 6         establish rules for determination of certain

 7         fees; eliminating certain operational license

 8         fees; providing that applications for power

 9         plant certification be processed under laws

10         applicable at the time the application is

11         filed; providing exceptions; amending s.

12         403.519, F.S.; directing the Public Service

13         Commission to consider fuel diversity and

14         reliability in certain determinations;

15         providing for determination of need for nuclear

16         power plants; providing an exemption from

17         purchased power supply bid rule; creating s.

18         366.93, F.S.; providing definitions; requiring

19         the Public Service Commission to implement

20         rules related to nuclear power plant cost

21         recovery; requiring a report; amending s.

22         403.52, F.S.; changing the short title to the

23         "Florida Electric Transmission Line Siting

24         Act"; amending s. 403.521, F.S.; revising

25         legislative intent; amending s. 403.522, F.S.;

26         revising definitions; defining the terms

27         "licensee" and "maintenance and access roads";

28         amending s. 403.523, F.S.; revising powers and

29         duties of the Department of Environmental

30         Protection; requiring the department to collect

31         and process fees, to prepare a project


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         analysis, to act as clerk for the siting board,

 2         and to administer and manage the terms and

 3         conditions of the certification order and

 4         supporting documents and records; amending s.

 5         403.524, F.S.; revising provisions for

 6         applicability, certification, and exemptions

 7         under the act; revising provisions for notice

 8         by an electric utility of its intent to

 9         construct an exempt transmission line; amending

10         s. 403.525, F.S.; providing for powers and

11         duties of the administrative law judge

12         designated by the Division of Administrative

13         Hearings to conduct the required hearings;

14         amending s. 403.5251, F.S.; revising

15         application procedures and schedules; providing

16         for the formal date of filing an application

17         for certification and commencement of the

18         certification review process; requiring the

19         department to prepare a proposed schedule of

20         dates for determination of completeness and

21         other significant dates to be followed during

22         the certification process; providing for the

23         formal date of application distribution;

24         requiring the applicant to provide notice of

25         filing the application; amending s. 403.5252,

26         F.S.; revising timeframes and procedures for

27         determination of completeness of the

28         application; requiring the department to

29         consult with affected agencies; revising

30         requirements for the department to file a

31         statement of its determination of completeness


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         with the Division of Administrative Hearings,

 2         the applicant, and all parties within a certain

 3         time after distribution of the application;

 4         revising requirements for the applicant to file

 5         a statement with the department, the division,

 6         and all parties, if the department determines

 7         the application is not complete; providing for

 8         the statement to notify the department whether

 9         the information will be provided; revising

10         timeframes and procedures for contests of the

11         determination by the department; providing for

12         parties to a hearing on the issue of

13         completeness; amending s. 403.526, F.S.;

14         revising criteria and procedures for

15         preliminary statements of issues, reports, and

16         studies; revising timeframes; requiring that

17         the preliminary statement of issues from each

18         affected agency be submitted to the department

19         and the applicant; revising criteria for the

20         Department of Community Affairs' report;

21         requiring the Department of Transportation, the

22         Public Service Commission, and any other

23         affected agency to prepare a project report;

24         revising required content of the report;

25         providing for notice of any nonprocedural

26         requirements not listed in the application;

27         providing for failure to provide such

28         notification; providing for a recommendation

29         for approval or denial of the application;

30         providing that receipt of an affirmative

31         determination of need is a condition precedent


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         to further processing of the application;

 2         requiring that the department prepare a project

 3         analysis to be filed with the administrative

 4         law judge and served on all parties within a

 5         certain time; amending s. 403.527, F.S.;

 6         revising procedures and timeframes for the

 7         certification hearing conducted by the

 8         administrative law judge; revising provisions

 9         for notices and publication of notices, public

10         hearings held by local governments, testimony

11         at the public-hearing portion of the

12         certification hearing, the order of

13         presentations at the hearing, and consideration

14         of certain communications by the administrative

15         law judge; requiring the applicant to pay

16         certain expenses and costs; requiring the

17         administrative law judge to issue a recommended

18         order disposing of the application; requiring

19         that certain notices be made in accordance with

20         specified requirements and within a certain

21         time; requiring the Department of

22         Transportation to be a party to the

23         proceedings; providing for the administrative

24         law judge to cancel the certification hearing

25         and relinquish jurisdiction to the Department

26         of Environmental Protection upon request by the

27         applicant or the department; requiring the

28         department and the applicant to publish notice

29         of such cancellation; providing for parties to

30         submit proposed recommended orders to the

31         department when the certification hearing has


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         been canceled; providing that the department

 2         prepare a recommended order for final action by

 3         the siting board when the hearing has been

 4         canceled; amending s. 403.5271, F.S.; revising

 5         procedures and timeframes for consideration of

 6         proposed alternate corridors; revising notice

 7         requirements; providing for notice of the

 8         filing of the alternate corridor and revised

 9         time schedules; providing for notice to

10         agencies newly affected by the proposed

11         alternate corridor; requiring the person

12         proposing the alternate corridor to provide all

13         data to the agencies within a certain time;

14         providing for a determination by the department

15         that the data is not complete; providing for

16         withdrawal of the proposed alternate corridor

17         upon such determination; requiring that

18         agencies file reports with the applicant and

19         the department which address the proposed

20         alternate corridor; requiring that the

21         department file with the administrative law

22         judge, the applicant, and all parties a project

23         analysis of the proposed alternate corridor;

24         providing that the party proposing an alternate

25         corridor has the burden of proof concerning the

26         certifiability of the alternate corridor;

27         amending s. 403.5272, F.S.; revising procedures

28         for informational public meetings; providing

29         for informational public meetings held by

30         regional planning councils; revising

31         timeframes; amending s. 403.5275, F.S.;


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         revising provisions for amendment to the

 2         application prior to certification; amending s.

 3         403.528, F.S.; providing that a comprehensive

 4         application encompassing more than one proposed

 5         transmission line may be good cause for

 6         altering established time limits; amending s.

 7         403.529, F.S.; revising provisions for final

 8         disposition of the application by the siting

 9         board; providing for the administrative law

10         judge's or department's recommended order;

11         amending s. 403.531, F.S.; revising provisions

12         for conditions of certification; amending s.

13         403.5312, F.S.; requiring the applicant to file

14         notice of a certified corridor route with the

15         department; amending s. 403.5315, F.S.;

16         revising the circumstances under which a

17         certification may be modified after the

18         certification has been issued; providing for

19         procedures if objections are raised to the

20         proposed modification; creating s. 403.5317,

21         F.S.; providing procedures for changes proposed

22         by the licensee after certification; requiring

23         the department to determine within a certain

24         time if the proposed change requires

25         modification of the conditions of

26         certification; requiring notice to the

27         licensee, all agencies, and all parties of

28         changes that are approved as not requiring

29         modification of the conditions of

30         certification; creating s. 403.5363, F.S.;

31         requiring publication of certain notices by the


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         applicant, the proponent of an alternate

 2         corridor, and the department; requiring the

 3         department to adopt rules specifying the

 4         content of such notices; amending s. 403.5365,

 5         F.S.; revising application fees and the

 6         distribution of fees collected; revising

 7         procedures for reimbursement of local

 8         governments and regional planning

 9         organizations; amending s. 403.537, F.S.;

10         revising the schedule for notice of a public

11         hearing by the Public Service Commission in

12         order to determine the need for a transmission

13         line; providing that the commission is the sole

14         forum in which to determine the need for a

15         transmission line; amending ss. 373.441,

16         403.061, 403.0876, and 403.809, F.S.;

17         conforming terminology to changes made by the

18         act; repealing ss. 403.5253 and 403.5369, F.S.,

19         relating to determination of sufficiency of

20         application or amendment to the application and

21         the application of the act to applications

22         filed before a certain date; requiring a report

23         to the Governor and Legislature; providing

24         appropriations; providing an effective date.

25  

26  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

27  

28         Section 1.  Florida Energy Commission.--

29         (1)  The Florida Energy Commission is created and shall

30  be located within the Office of Legislative Services for

31  administrative purposes. The commission shall be comprised of


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  a total of 13 members, of whom nine shall be voting members

 2  and four shall be nonvoting members, as follows:

 3         (a)  The voting members shall be appointed as follows:

 4  the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of

 5  Representatives shall appoint, in consultation with the

 6  minority office of their respective chamber, four members

 7  each. The President and the Speaker shall jointly appoint a

 8  ninth member, who shall be the chair. Voting members shall be

 9  appointed to 2-year terms; however, in order to establish

10  staggered terms, for the initial appointments each appointing

11  official shall appoint two members to a 1-year term and two

12  members to a 2-year term. Voting members must meet the

13  following qualifications and restrictions:

14         1.  A voting member must be an expert in one or more of

15  the following fields: energy, natural resource conservation,

16  economics, engineering, finance, law, consumer protection,

17  state energy policy, or another field substantially related to

18  the duties and functions of the commission. The commission

19  shall fairly represent the fields specified in this

20  subparagraph.

21         2.  A voting member may not, at the time of appointment

22  or during his or her term of office:

23         a.  Have any financial interest, other than ownership

24  of shares in a mutual fund, in any business entity that,

25  directly or indirectly, owns or controls, or is an affiliate

26  or subsidiary of, any business entity that may profit by the

27  policy recommendations developed by the commission.

28         b.  Be employed by or engaged in any business activity

29  with any business entity that, directly or indirectly, owns or

30  controls, or is an affiliate or subsidiary of, any business

31  


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  entity that may profit by the policy recommendations developed

 2  by the commission.

 3         (b)  The nonvoting members shall include:

 4         1.  The chair of the Florida Public Service Commission;

 5         2.  The Public Counsel;

 6         3.  The Commissioner of Agriculture, or his or her

 7  designee; and

 8         4.  The director of the Office of Insurance Regulation,

 9  or his or her designee.

10         (c)  The following persons may also attend meetings and

11  provide information and advice:

12         1.  The director of the Florida Solar Energy Center;

13         2.  The Secretary of Health;

14         3.  The chair of the State Board of Education;

15         4.  The Secretary of Community Affairs;

16         5.  The Secretary of Transportation; and

17         6.  The Secretary of Environmental Protection.

18         (2)  Voting members shall serve without compensation,

19  but are entitled to reimbursement for per diem and travel

20  expenses as provided by s. 112.061, Florida Statutes.

21  Nonvoting members shall serve at the expense of the entity

22  they represent.

23         (3)  Meetings of the commission shall be held in

24  various locations around the state and at the call of the

25  chair; however, the commission must meet at least twice each

26  year.

27         (4)(a)  The commission may employ staff to assist in

28  the performance of its duties, including an executive

29  director, an attorney, a communications person, and an

30  executive assistant.

31  


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         (b)  Agencies whose heads serve as nonvoting members

 2  shall supply staff and resources as necessary to provide

 3  information needed by the commission.

 4         (c)  The commission may appoint focus groups to

 5  consider specific issues.

 6         (5)  The commission shall develop recommendations for

 7  legislation to establish a state energy policy. The

 8  recommendations of the commission shall be based on the

 9  guiding principles of reliability, efficiency, affordability,

10  and diversity as provided in subsection (7). The commission

11  shall continually review the state energy policy and shall

12  recommend to the Legislature any additional necessary changes

13  or improvements.

14         (6)(a)  The commission shall report by December 31 of

15  each year to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of

16  the House of Representatives on its progress and

17  recommendations, including draft legislation.

18         (b)  The commission's initial report must be filed by

19  December 31, 2007, and must identify incentives for research,

20  development, or deployment projects involving the goals and

21  issues set forth in this section; set forth recommendations

22  for improvements to the electricity transmission and

23  distribution system, including recommended incentives to

24  encourage electric utilities and local governments to work

25  together in good faith on issues of underground utilities; set

26  forth the appropriate test for the Florida Public Service

27  Commission to use in determining which energy efficiency

28  programs are cost-effective and should be implemented,

29  together with the rationale in selecting the test; and set

30  forth a plan of action, together with a timetable, for

31  addressing additional issues.


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         (c)1.  The commission's initial report shall also

 2  recommend consensus-based public-involvement processes to

 3  reduce greenhouse gas emissions in this state and to make such

 4  reductions and related economic, energy, and environmental

 5  co-benefits a state priority.

 6         2.  The report must include recommended steps and a

 7  schedule for the development of a comprehensive state climate

 8  action plan with statewide greenhouse-gas-reduction goals and

 9  a range of specific policy options for all economic sectors to

10  be developed through a public-involvement process, including

11  transportation and land use; power generation; residential,

12  commercial, and industrial activities; waste management;

13  agriculture and forestry; emissions-reporting systems; and

14  public education.

15         3.  The climate action plan must include:

16         a.  Recommendations for the development of an annual

17  greenhouse-gas-emissions inventory by the Department of

18  Environmental Protection, recommendations for the development

19  of a current comprehensive inventory of state greenhouse gas

20  emissions since 1990 and a similar forecast of state

21  greenhouse gas emissions from the present to the year 2020 or

22  later.

23         b.  Recommended steps to identify areas where specific

24  greenhouse-gas-reduction policies are feasible; the costs and

25  benefits of each recommendation; methods for helping

26  individuals, institutions, and businesses reduce emissions; an

27  implementation schedule; and identification of funding

28  requirements for the development and implementation of

29  strategies.

30         c.  Consideration of the feasibility of establishing by

31  law a greenhouse-gas-reduction target to lower greenhouse gas


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  emissions in the state below the forecasted levels of

 2  emissions growth in the future at maximum achievable levels.

 3         (7)  In developing its recommendations, the commission

 4  shall be guided by the principles of reliability, efficiency,

 5  affordability, and diversity, and more specifically as

 6  follows:

 7         (a)  The state should have a reliable electric supply,

 8  with adequate reserves.

 9         (b)  The transmission and delivery of electricity

10  should be reliable.

11         (c)  The generation, transmission, and delivery of

12  electricity should be accomplished with the least detriment to

13  the environment and public health.

14         (d)  The generation, transmission, and delivery of

15  electricity should be accomplished compatibly with the goals

16  for growth management.

17         (e)  Electricity generation, transmission, and delivery

18  facilities should be reasonably secure from damage, taking all

19  factors into consideration, and recovery from damage should be

20  prompt.

21         (f)  Electric rates should be affordable, as to base

22  rates and all recovery-clause additions, with sufficient

23  incentives for utilities to achieve this goal.

24         (g)  This state should have a reliable supply of motor

25  vehicle fuels, both under normal circumstances and during

26  hurricanes and other emergency situations.

27         (h)  In-state research, development, and deployment of

28  alternative energy technologies and alternative motor vehicle

29  fuels should be encouraged.

30         (i)  When possible, the resources of this state should

31  be used in achieving these goals.


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         (j)  Consumers of energy should be encouraged and given

 2  incentives to be more efficient in their use of energy.

 3  

 4  In choosing between conflicting or competing goals, the

 5  commission shall balance the projected benefits of affordable,

 6  reliable energy supplies against detrimental cost and

 7  environmental impacts and recommend the best solution, with a

 8  complete and detailed explanation of the factors considered

 9  and the rationale for the decision.

10         Section 2.  (1)  The Florida Public Service Commission

11  shall direct a study of the electric transmission grid in the

12  state. The study shall look at electric system reliability to

13  examine the efficiency and reliability of power transfer and

14  emergency contingency conditions. In addition, the study shall

15  examine the hardening of infrastructure to address issues

16  arising from the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons. A report of

17  the results of the study shall be provided to the Governor,

18  the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of

19  Representatives by March 1, 2007.

20         (2)  The commission shall conduct a review to determine

21  what should be done to enhance the reliability of Florida's

22  transmission and distribution grids during extreme weather

23  events, including the strengthening of distribution and

24  transmission facilities. Considerations may include:

25         (a)  Recommendations for promoting and encouraging

26  underground electric distribution for new service or

27  construction provided by public utilities.

28         (b)  Recommendations for promoting and encouraging the

29  conversion of existing overhead distribution facilities to

30  underground facilities, including any recommended incentives

31  


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  to local governments for local-government-sponsored

 2  conversions.

 3         (c)  Recommendations as to whether incentives for

 4  local-government-sponsored conversions should include

 5  participation by a public utility in the conversion costs as

 6  an investment in the reliability of the grid in total, with

 7  such investment recognized as a new plant in service for

 8  regulatory purposes.

 9         (d)  Recommendations for promoting and encouraging the

10  use of road rights-of-way for the location of underground

11  facilities in any local-government-sponsored conversion

12  project, provided the customers of the public utility do not

13  incur increased liability and future relocation costs.

14         (3)  This section does not limit the existing

15  jurisdiction or powers of the commission. It may not be

16  construed to delay or defer any activities that are currently

17  docketed which relate to matters to be addressed by the study

18  required by this section, nor may it be construed to delay or

19  defer any case or proceeding that may be initiated before the

20  commission pursuant to current statutory powers of the

21  commission.

22         Section 3.  Section 377.801, Florida Statutes, is

23  created to read:

24         377.801  Short title.--Sections 377.801-377.806 may be

25  cited as the "Florida Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy

26  Efficiency Act."

27         Section 4.  Section 377.802, Florida Statutes, is

28  created to read:

29         377.802  Purpose.--This act is intended to provide

30  matching grants to stimulate capital investment in the state

31  and to enhance the market for and promote the statewide


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  utilization of renewable energy technologies. The targeted

 2  grants program is designed to advance the already growing

 3  establishment of renewable energy technologies in the state

 4  and encourage the use of other incentives such as tax

 5  exemptions and regulatory certainty to attract additional

 6  renewable energy technology producers, developers, and users

 7  to the state. This act is also intended to provide incentives

 8  for energy-efficient appliances and rebates for installations

 9  of solar energy equipment in residential and commercial

10  buildings.

11         Section 5.  Section 377.803, Florida Statutes, is

12  created to read:

13         377.803  Definitions.--As used in this act, the term:

14         (1)  "Act" means the Florida Renewable Energy

15  Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act.

16         (2)  "Approved metering equipment" means a device

17  capable of measuring the energy output of a solar thermal

18  system that has been approved by the commission.

19         (3)  "Commission" means the Florida Public Service

20  Commission.

21         (4)  "Department" means the Department of Environmental

22  Protection.

23         (5)  "Energy Star qualified appliance" means a

24  refrigerator, residential model clothes washer including a

25  residential style coin operated clothes washer, or dishwasher

26  that has been designated by the United States Environmental

27  Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy

28  as meeting or exceeding the energy saving efficiency

29  requirements under each agency's Energy Star program.

30  

31  


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         (6)  "Person" means an individual, partnership, joint

 2  venture, private or public corporation, association, firm,

 3  public service company, or any other public or private entity.

 4         (7)  "Renewable energy" means electrical, mechanical,

 5  or thermal energy produced from a method that uses one or more

 6  of the following fuels or energy sources: hydrogen, biomass,

 7  solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, ocean energy,

 8  waste heat, and hydroelectric power.

 9         (8)  "Renewable energy technology" means any technology

10  that generates or utilizes a renewable energy resource.

11         (9)  "Solar energy system" means equipment that

12  provides for the collection and use of incident solar energy

13  for water heating, space heating or cooling, or other

14  applications that normally require a conventional source of

15  energy such as petroleum products, natural gas, or electricity

16  and that performs primarily with solar energy. In other

17  systems in which solar energy is used in a supplemental way,

18  only those components that collect and transfer solar energy

19  shall be included in this definition.

20         (10)  "Solar photovoltaic system" means a device that

21  converts incident sunlight into electrical current.

22         (11)  "Solar thermal system" means a device that traps

23  heat from incident sunlight in order to heat water.

24         Section 6.  Section 377.804, Florida Statutes, is

25  created to read:

26         377.804  Renewable Energy Technologies Grants

27  Program.--

28         (1)  The Renewable Energy Technologies Grants Program

29  is established within the department to provide renewable

30  energy matching grants for demonstration, commercialization,

31  


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  research, and development projects relating to renewable

 2  energy technologies.

 3         (2)  Matching grants for renewable energy technology

 4  demonstration, commercialization, research, and development

 5  projects may be made to any of the following:

 6         (a)  Municipalities and county governments.

 7         (b)  Established for-profit companies licensed to do

 8  business in the state.

 9         (c)  Universities and colleges in the state.

10         (d)  Utilities located and operating within the state.

11         (e)  Not-for-profit organizations.

12         (f)  Other qualified persons, as determined by the

13  department.

14         (3)  The department may adopt rules pursuant to ss.

15  120.536(1) and 120.54 to provide for application requirements,

16  provide for ranking of applications, and administer the

17  awarding of grants under this program.

18         (4)  Factors the department shall consider in awarding

19  grants include, but are not limited to:

20         (a)  The availability of matching funds or other

21  in-kind contributions applied to the total project from an

22  applicant. The department shall give greater preference to

23  projects that provide such matching funds or other in-kind

24  contributions.

25         (b)  The degree to which the project stimulates

26  in-state capital investment and economic development in

27  metropolitan and rural areas, including the creation of jobs

28  and the future development of a commercial market for

29  renewable energy technologies.

30         (c)  The extent to which the proposed project has been

31  demonstrated to be technically feasible based on pilot-project


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  demonstrations, laboratory testing, scientific modeling, or

 2  engineering or chemical theory that supports the proposal.

 3         (d)  The degree to which the project incorporates an

 4  innovative new technology or an innovative application of an

 5  existing technology.

 6         (e)  The degree to which a project generates thermal,

 7  mechanical, or electrical energy by means of a renewable

 8  energy resource that has substantial long-term production

 9  potential.

10         (f)  The degree to which a project demonstrates

11  efficient use of energy and material resources.

12         (g)  The degree to which the project fosters overall

13  understanding and appreciation of renewable energy

14  technologies.

15         (h)  The ability to administer a complete project.

16         (i)  Project duration and timeline for expenditures.

17         (j)  The geographic area in which the project is to be

18  conducted in relation to other projects.

19         (k)  The degree of public visibility and interaction.

20         (5)  The department shall solicit the expertise of

21  other state agencies when evaluating project proposals. State

22  agencies shall cooperate with the Department of Environmental

23  Protection and provide such assistance as requested.

24         (6)  The department shall coordinate and actively

25  consult with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer

26  Services during the review and approval process of grants

27  relating to bioenergy projects for renewable energy

28  technology, and the departments shall jointly determine the

29  grant awards to these bioenergy projects. No grant funding

30  shall be awarded to any bioenergy project without such joint

31  


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  approval. Factors for consideration in awarding grants may

 2  include, but are not limited to, the degree to which:

 3         (a)  The project stimulates in-state capital investment

 4  and economic development in metropolitan and rural areas,

 5  including the creation of jobs and the future development of a

 6  commercial market for bioenergy.

 7         (b)  The project produces bioenergy from Florida-grown

 8  crops or biomass.

 9         (c)  The project demonstrates efficient use of energy

10  and material resources.

11         (d)  The project fosters overall understanding and

12  appreciation of bioenergy technologies.

13         (e)  Matching funds and in-kind contributions from an

14  applicant are available.

15         (f)  The project duration and the timeline for

16  expenditures are acceptable.

17         (g)  The project has a reasonable assurance of

18  enhancing the value of agricultural products or will expand

19  agribusiness in the state.

20         (h)  Preliminary market and feasibility research has

21  been conducted by the applicant or others and shows there is a

22  reasonable assurance of a potential market.

23         Section 7.  Section 377.805, Florida Statutes, is

24  created to read:

25         377.805  Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program.--

26         (1)  The Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program is

27  established within the department to provide for financial

28  incentives for the purchase of Energy Star qualified

29  appliances as specified in this section.

30         (2)  Except during the time period designated as an

31  energy-efficient product sales tax holiday pursuant to s.


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  377.8055, any resident of the state who purchases a new Energy

 2  Star qualified appliance from July 1, 2006, through June 30,

 3  2010, from a retail store in the state is eligible for a

 4  rebate of a portion of the purchase price of that Energy Star

 5  qualified appliance.

 6         (3)  The department shall adopt rules pursuant to ss.

 7  120.536(1) and 120.54 to designate rebate amounts and

 8  administer the issuance of rebates. The department's rules may

 9  include separate incentives for low-income families to

10  purchase Energy Star qualified appliances.

11         (4)  Application for a rebate must be made within 90

12  days after the purchase of the Energy Star qualified

13  appliance.

14         (5)  A person is limited to one rebate per type of

15  appliance per year.

16         (6)  The total dollar amount of all rebates issued by

17  the department is subject to the total amount of

18  appropriations in any fiscal year for this program. If funds

19  are insufficient during the current fiscal year, any requests

20  for rebates received during that fiscal year may be processed

21  during the following fiscal year. A request for rebate

22  received in one fiscal year but processed during the following

23  fiscal year shall be given priority over requests for rebates

24  that are applied for during that following fiscal year.

25         (7)  The department shall determine and publish on a

26  regular basis the amount of rebate funds remaining in each

27  fiscal year.

28         Section 8.  Section 377.8055, Florida Statutes, is

29  created to read:

30         377.8055  Energy-efficient products sales tax

31  holiday.--


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         (1)  The period from 12:01 a.m., October 5, through

 2  midnight, October 11, in each year from 2006 to 2009 shall be

 3  designated "Energy Efficiency Week," and the tax levied under

 4  chapter 212 may not be collected on the sale of a new

 5  energy-efficient product having a selling price of $1,500 or

 6  less per product during that period. As used in this

 7  subsection, the term "energy-efficient product" means a

 8  dishwasher, clothes washer, air conditioner, ceiling fan,

 9  incandescent or florescent light bulb, dehumidifier,

10  programmable thermostat, or refrigerator that has been

11  designated by the United States Environmental Protection

12  Agency and by the United States Department of Energy as

13  meeting or exceeding each agency's requirements for energy

14  efficiency under the Energy Star Program of either agency.

15         (2)(a)  The exemption in this section applies only when

16  the energy-efficient product is purchased for noncommercial

17  home or personal use and does not apply when the product is

18  purchased for trade, business, or resale.

19         (b)  Purchases made under this section may not be made

20  using a business or company credit or debit card or check.

21         (c)  Any construction company, building contractor, or

22  commercial business or entity that purchases or attempts to

23  purchase the energy-efficient products exempt as provided in

24  this section commits an unfair method of competition in

25  violation of s. 501.204, punishable as provided in s.

26  501.2075.

27         (3)  The Department of Revenue may adopt rules pursuant

28  to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to administer this section.

29         Section 9.  Section 377.806, Florida Statutes, is

30  created to read:

31         377.806  Florida Solar Energy Incentives Program.--


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         (1)  DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section, unless the

 2  context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the

 3  following meanings:

 4         (a)  "Approved metering equipment" means a device

 5  capable of measuring the energy output of a solar thermal

 6  system either in BTU or KWH equivalents that has been approved

 7  by the commission.

 8         (b)  "Certified" means tested by the Florida Solar

 9  Energy Center to verify rated output or thermal performance.

10         (c)  "Commission" means the Florida Public Service

11  Commission.

12         (d)  "Interconnected" means connected to a utility's

13  electrical grid.

14         (e)  "Solar photovoltaic system" means a solar energy

15  system, including devices and related equipment, with a peak

16  generating capacity of 100 kilowatts or less used for

17  generating electricity for use in a residence, a place of

18  business, a publicly owned or operated facility, or a facility

19  owned or operated by a private, not-for-profit organization.

20         (f)  "Solar thermal system" means a solar energy device

21  that provides domestic hot water for use in a residence, a

22  place of business, a publicly owned or operated facility, or a

23  facility owned or operated by a private, not-for-profit

24  organization.

25         (2)  SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC INCENTIVE PROGRAM.--To the

26  extent that funds are available pursuant to subsection (2), an

27  owner or tenant of property in this state that is a residence,

28  a place of business, a publicly owned or operated facility, or

29  a facility owned or operated by a private, not-for-profit

30  organization is entitled to a rebate for expenditures made by

31  the owner or tenant for a solar photovoltaic system that is


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  installed in accordance with this subsection after July 1,

 2  2006, and that will be interconnected.

 3         (a)  Eligibility requirements.--A solar photovoltaic

 4  system qualifies for a rebate if:

 5         1.  The system is installed by a state-licensed master

 6  electrician, electrical contractor, or solar contractor.

 7         2.  The system complies with state interconnection

 8  standards as provided by the commission.

 9         3.  The system complies with all applicable building

10  codes as defined by the local jurisdictional authority.

11         4.  The system includes minimum service and warranty

12  contracts.

13         (b)  Rebate amounts.--The initial rebate amount shall

14  be set at $4 per watt and decrease by 50 cents per watt each

15  year for 5 years. If the solar equipment is manufactured

16  within the state, the initial rebate amount shall be set at $5

17  per watt and decrease by 50 cents per watt each year for 5

18  years. In the case of a newly constructed residence, the

19  rebate must be available to the original owner or occupant

20  using the dwelling as his or her principal residence. The

21  maximum allowable rebate per solar photovoltaic system

22  installation shall be as follows:

23         1.  For a residence, $20,000.

24         2.  For a place of business, a publicly owned or

25  operated facility, or a facility owned or operated by a

26  private, not-for-profit organization, $100,000.

27         (3)  SOLAR THERMAL INCENTIVE PROGRAM.--To the extent

28  that funds are available pursuant to subsection (2), an owner

29  or tenant of property in this state that is a residence, a

30  place of business, a publicly owned or operated facility, or a

31  facility owned or operated by a private, not-for-profit


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  organization is entitled to a rebate for expenditures made by

 2  the owner or tenant for a solar thermal system that is

 3  installed in accordance with this subsection after July 1,

 4  2006.

 5         (a)  Eligibility requirements.--A solar thermal system

 6  qualifies for a rebate if:

 7         1.  The system is installed by a state-licensed solar

 8  or plumbing contractor.

 9         2.  The system complies with all applicable building

10  codes as defined by the local jurisdictional authority.

11         3.  The system includes minimum service and warranty

12  contracts.

13         (b)  Rebate amounts.--Authorized rebates for

14  installation of solar thermal systems shall be as follows:

15         1.  For a residence, the rebate amount is $300. If the

16  solar collector is manufactured within the state, the rebate

17  amount is $500.

18         2.  For a place of business, a publicly owned or

19  operated facility, or a facility owned or operated by a

20  private, not-for-profit organization, the rebate amount is $15

21  per 1,000 BTU as certified by the Florida Solar Energy Center.

22  The maximum rebate amount is $5,000.  An approved metering

23  system is required.

24         (4)  RULES.--

25         (a)  The commission shall adopt rules pursuant to ss.

26  120.536(1) and 120.54 necessary to amend current

27  interconnection standards for solar energy systems up to 100

28  kilowatts.

29         (b)  The department shall adopt rules pursuant to ss.

30  120.536(1) and 120.54 necessary to implement the Florida

31  


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act,

 2  including the administration of grants and incentives.

 3         (5)  PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATION.--The Florida Solar

 4  Energy Center shall certify the performance of solar equipment

 5  sold and installed in the state in accordance with this

 6  section and s. 377.705.

 7         Section 10.  Paragraph (ccc) is added to subsection (7)

 8  of section 212.08, Florida Statutes, to read:

 9         212.08  Sales, rental, use, consumption, distribution,

10  and storage tax; specified exemptions.--The sale at retail,

11  the rental, the use, the consumption, the distribution, and

12  the storage to be used or consumed in this state of the

13  following are hereby specifically exempt from the tax imposed

14  by this chapter.

15         (7)  MISCELLANEOUS EXEMPTIONS.--Exemptions provided to

16  any entity by this chapter do not inure to any transaction

17  that is otherwise taxable under this chapter when payment is

18  made by a representative or employee of the entity by any

19  means, including, but not limited to, cash, check, or credit

20  card, even when that representative or employee is

21  subsequently reimbursed by the entity. In addition, exemptions

22  provided to any entity by this subsection do not inure to any

23  transaction that is otherwise taxable under this chapter

24  unless the entity has obtained a sales tax exemption

25  certificate from the department or the entity obtains or

26  provides other documentation as required by the department.

27  Eligible purchases or leases made with such a certificate must

28  be in strict compliance with this subsection and departmental

29  rules, and any person who makes an exempt purchase with a

30  certificate that is not in strict compliance with this

31  


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  subsection and the rules is liable for and shall pay the tax.

 2  The department may adopt rules to administer this subsection.

 3         (ccc)  Equipment, machinery, and other materials for

 4  renewable energy technologies.--

 5         1.  As used in this paragraph, the term:

 6         a.  "Biodiesel" means the mono-alkyl esters of

 7  long-chain fatty acids derived from plant or animal matter for

 8  use as a source of energy and meeting the specifications for

 9  biodiesel and biodiesel blends with petroleum products as

10  adopted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer

11  Services. Biodiesel may refer to biodiesel blends designated

12  BXX, where XX represents the volume percentage of biodiesel

13  fuel in the blend.

14         b.  "Ethanol" means nominally anhydrous denatured

15  alcohol produced by the fermentation of plant sugars and

16  meeting the specifications for fuel ethanol and fuel ethanol

17  blends with petroleum products as adopted by the Department of

18  Agriculture and Consumer Services. Ethanol may refer to fuel

19  ethanol blends designated EXX, where XX represents the volume

20  percentage of fuel ethanol in the blend.

21         c.  "Hydrogen fuel cells" means equipment using

22  hydrogen or a hydrogen-rich fuel in an electrochemical process

23  to generate energy, electricity, or the transfer of heat.

24         2.  The sale or use of the following is exempt from the

25  tax imposed by this chapter:

26         a.  Hydrogen-powered vehicles, materials incorporated

27  into hydrogen-powered vehicles, and hydrogen-fueling stations,

28  up to $2 million in tax each state fiscal year.

29         b.  Commercial stationary hydrogen fuel cells, up to $1

30  million in tax each state fiscal year.

31  


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         c.  Materials used in the distribution of biodiesel

 2  (B10-B100) and ethanol (E10-E100), including fueling

 3  infrastructure, transportation, and storage, up to $1 million

 4  in tax each state fiscal year. The costs of retrofitting a

 5  gasoline fueling station pump for ethanol (E10-E100)

 6  distribution qualifies for the exemption provided by this

 7  subsection.

 8         3.  The Department of Environmental Protection shall

 9  provide to the department a list of items eligible for the

10  exemption.

11         4.a.  The exemption shall be available to a purchaser

12  through a refund of previously paid taxes.

13         b.  To be eligible to receive the exemption, a

14  purchaser shall file an application with the Department of

15  Environmental Protection. The application shall be developed

16  by the Department of Environmental Protection, in consultation

17  with the department, and shall require:

18         (I)  The name and address of the person claiming the

19  refund.

20         (II)  A specific description of the purchase for which

21  a refund is sought, including, when applicable, a serial

22  number or other permanent identification number.

23         (III)  The sales invoice or other proof of purchase

24  showing the amount of sales tax paid, the date of purchase,

25  and the name and address of the sales tax dealer from whom the

26  property was purchased.

27         (IV)  A sworn statement that the information provided

28  is accurate.

29         c.  Within 30 days after receipt of an application, the

30  Department of Environmental Protection shall review the

31  application and shall notify the applicant of any


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  deficiencies. Upon receipt of a completed application, the

 2  Department of Environmental Protection shall evaluate the

 3  application for exemption and issue a written certification

 4  that the applicant is eligible for a refund or issue a written

 5  denial of such certification within 60 days. The Department of

 6  Environmental Protection shall provide the department with a

 7  copy of each certification issued upon approval of an

 8  application.

 9         d.  Each certified applicant shall be responsible for

10  forwarding a certified copy of the application and copies of

11  all required documentation to the department within 6 months

12  after certification by the Department of Environmental

13  Protection.

14         e.  The provisions of s. 212.095 do not apply to any

15  refund application made pursuant to this paragraph. A refund

16  approved pursuant to this paragraph shall be made within 30

17  days after formal approval by the department.

18         f.  The department shall adopt rules governing the

19  manner and form of refund applications and may establish

20  guidelines as to the requisites for an affirmative showing of

21  qualification for exemption under this paragraph.

22         g.  The Department of Environmental Protection shall be

23  responsible for ensuring that the exemptions do not exceed the

24  limits provided in subparagraph 2.

25         5.  The Department of Environmental Protection shall

26  determine and publish on a regular basis the amount of sales

27  tax funds remaining in each fiscal year.

28         6.  This exemption is repealed July 1, 2010.

29         Section 11.  Paragraph (y) is added to subsection (7)

30  of section 213.053, Florida Statutes, to read:

31         213.053  Confidentiality and information sharing.--


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         (7)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this

 2  section, the department may provide:

 3         (y)  Information relative to ss. 212.08(7)(ccc) and

 4  220.192 to the Department of Environmental Protection for use

 5  in the conduct of its official business.

 6  

 7  Disclosure of information under this subsection shall be

 8  pursuant to a written agreement between the executive director

 9  and the agency. Such agencies, governmental or

10  nongovernmental, shall be bound by the same requirements of

11  confidentiality as the Department of Revenue. Breach of

12  confidentiality is a misdemeanor of the first degree,

13  punishable as provided by s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

14         Section 12.  Subsection (8) of section 220.02, Florida

15  Statutes, is amended to read:

16         220.02  Legislative intent.--

17         (8)  It is the intent of the Legislature that credits

18  against either the corporate income tax or the franchise tax

19  be applied in the following order: those enumerated in s.

20  631.828, those enumerated in s. 220.191, those enumerated in

21  s. 220.181, those enumerated in s. 220.183, those enumerated

22  in s. 220.182, those enumerated in s. 220.1895, those

23  enumerated in s. 221.02, those enumerated in s. 220.184, those

24  enumerated in s. 220.186, those enumerated in s. 220.1845,

25  those enumerated in s. 220.19, those enumerated in s. 220.185,

26  and those enumerated in s. 220.187, and those enumerated in

27  ss. 220.192 and 220.193.

28         Section 13.  Section 220.192, Florida Statutes, is

29  created to read:

30         220.192  Renewable energy technologies investment tax

31  credit.--


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         (1)  DEFINITIONS.--For purposes of this section, the

 2  term:

 3         (a)  "Biodiesel" means biodiesel as defined in s.

 4  212.08(7)(ccc).

 5         (b)  "Eligible costs" means:

 6         1.  Seventy-five percent of all capital costs,

 7  operation and maintenance costs, and research and development

 8  costs incurred between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2010, up to

 9  $3 million per state fiscal year for all taxpayers, in

10  connection with an investment in hydrogen powered vehicles and

11  hydrogen vehicle fueling stations in the state, including, but

12  not limited to, the costs of constructing, installing, and

13  equipping such technologies in the state.

14         2.  Seventy-five percent of all capital costs,

15  operation and maintenance costs, and research and development

16  costs incurred between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2010, up to

17  a limit of $1.5 million per state fiscal year for all

18  taxpayers, and limited to a maximum of $12,000 per fuel cell,

19  in connection with an investment in commercial stationary

20  hydrogen fuel cells in the state, including, but not limited

21  to, the costs of constructing, installing, and equipping such

22  technologies in the state.

23         3.  Seventy-five percent of all capital costs,

24  operation and maintenance costs, and research and development

25  costs incurred between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2010, up to

26  a limit of $6.5 million per state fiscal year for all

27  taxpayers, in connection with an investment in the production,

28  storage, and distribution of biodiesel (B10-B100) and ethanol

29  (E10-E100) in the state, including, but not limited to, the

30  costs of constructing, installing, and equipping such

31  technologies in the state. The costs of retrofitting a


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  gasoline fueling station pump for ethanol (E10-E100)

 2  distribution qualifies as an eligible cost under this

 3  subsection.

 4         (c)  "Ethanol" means ethanol as defined in s.

 5  212.08(7)(ccc).

 6         (d)  "Hydrogen fuel cell" means hydrogen fuel cell as

 7  defined in s. 212.08(7)(ccc).

 8         (2)  TAX CREDIT.--For tax years beginning on or after

 9  January 1, 2007, a credit against the tax imposed by this

10  chapter shall be granted in an amount equal to the eligible

11  costs. Credits may be used in tax years beginning January 1,

12  2007, through December 31, 2010, after which the credit shall

13  expire. If the credit is not fully used in any one tax year

14  because of insufficient tax liability on the part of the

15  corporation, the unused amount may be carried forward and used

16  in tax years beginning January 1, 2007, through December 31,

17  2012, after which the credit carryover expires and may not be

18  used. A taxpayer that files a consolidated return in this

19  state as a member of an affiliated group under s. 220.131(1)

20  may be allowed the credit on a consolidated return basis up to

21  the amount of tax imposed upon the consolidated group. Any

22  eligible cost for which a credit is claimed and which is

23  deducted or otherwise reduces federal taxable income shall be

24  added back in computing adjusted federal income under s.

25  220.13.

26         (3)  APPLICATION PROCESS.--Any corporation wishing to

27  obtain tax credits available under this section must submit to

28  the Department of Environmental Protection an application for

29  tax credit that includes a complete description of all

30  eligible costs for which the corporation is seeking a credit

31  and a description of the total amount of credits sought. The


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  Department of Environmental Protection shall make a

 2  determination on the eligibility of the applicant for the

 3  credits sought and certify the determination to the applicant

 4  and the Department of Revenue. The corporation must attach the

 5  Department of Environmental Protection's certification to the

 6  tax return on which the credit is claimed. The Department of

 7  Environmental Protection shall ensure that the corporate

 8  income tax credits granted in each fiscal year do not exceed

 9  the tax credit limits set forth in this section. The

10  Department of Environmental Protection is authorized to adopt

11  the necessary rules, guidelines, and application materials for

12  the application process.

13         (4)  ADMINISTRATION; AUDIT AUTHORITY; RECAPTURE OF

14  CREDITS.--

15         (a)  In addition to its existing audit and

16  investigation authority, the Department of Revenue may perform

17  any additional financial and technical audits and

18  investigations, including examining the accounts, books, and

19  records of the tax credit applicant, that are necessary to

20  verify the eligible costs included in the tax credit return

21  and to ensure compliance with this section. The Department of

22  Environmental Protection shall provide technical assistance

23  when requested by the Department of Revenue on any technical

24  audits or examinations performed pursuant to this section.

25         (b)  It is grounds for forfeiture of previously claimed

26  and received tax credits if the Department of Revenue

27  determines, as a result of either an audit or examination or

28  from information received from the Department of Environmental

29  Protection, that a taxpayer received tax credits pursuant to

30  this section to which the taxpayer was not entitled. The

31  taxpayer is responsible for returning forfeited tax credits to


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  the Department of Revenue, and such funds shall be paid into

 2  the General Revenue Fund of the state.

 3         (c)  The Department of Environmental Protection may

 4  revoke or modify any written decision granting eligibility for

 5  tax credits under this section if it is discovered that the

 6  tax credit applicant submitted any false statement,

 7  representation, or certification in any application, record,

 8  report, plan, or other document filed in an attempt to receive

 9  tax credits under this section. The Department of

10  Environmental Protection shall immediately notify the

11  Department of Revenue of any revoked or modified orders

12  affecting previously granted tax credits. Additionally, the

13  taxpayer must notify the Department of Revenue of any change

14  in its tax credit claimed.

15         (d)  The taxpayer shall file with the Department of

16  Revenue an amended return or such other report as the

17  Department of Revenue prescribes by rule and shall pay any

18  required tax and interest within 60 days after the taxpayer

19  receives notification from the Department of Environmental

20  Protection that previously approved tax credits have been

21  revoked or modified. If the revocation or modification order

22  is contested, the taxpayer shall file as provided in this

23  paragraph within 60 days after a final order is issued

24  following proceedings.

25         (e)  A notice of deficiency may be issued by the

26  Department of Revenue at any time within 3 years after the

27  taxpayer receives formal notification from the Department of

28  Environmental Protection that previously approved tax credits

29  have been revoked or modified. If a taxpayer fails to notify

30  the Department of Revenue of any changes to its tax credit

31  claimed, a notice of deficiency may be issued at any time.


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         (5)  RULES.--The Department of Revenue shall have the

 2  authority to adopt rules relating to the forms required to

 3  claim a tax credit under this section, the requirements and

 4  basis for establishing an entitlement to a credit, and the

 5  examination and audit procedures required to administer this

 6  section.

 7         (6)  PUBLICATION.--The Department of Environmental

 8  Protection shall determine and publish on a regular basis the

 9  amount of available tax credits remaining in each fiscal year.

10         Section 14.  Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section

11  220.13, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

12         220.13  "Adjusted federal income" defined.--

13         (1)  The term "adjusted federal income" means an amount

14  equal to the taxpayer's taxable income as defined in

15  subsection (2), or such taxable income of more than one

16  taxpayer as provided in s. 220.131, for the taxable year,

17  adjusted as follows:

18         (a)  Additions.--There shall be added to such taxable

19  income:

20         1.  The amount of any tax upon or measured by income,

21  excluding taxes based on gross receipts or revenues, paid or

22  accrued as a liability to the District of Columbia or any

23  state of the United States which is deductible from gross

24  income in the computation of taxable income for the taxable

25  year.

26         2.  The amount of interest which is excluded from

27  taxable income under s. 103(a) of the Internal Revenue Code or

28  any other federal law, less the associated expenses disallowed

29  in the computation of taxable income under s. 265 of the

30  Internal Revenue Code or any other law, excluding 60 percent

31  of any amounts included in alternative minimum taxable income,


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  as defined in s. 55(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, if the

 2  taxpayer pays tax under s. 220.11(3).

 3         3.  In the case of a regulated investment company or

 4  real estate investment trust, an amount equal to the excess of

 5  the net long-term capital gain for the taxable year over the

 6  amount of the capital gain dividends attributable to the

 7  taxable year.

 8         4.  That portion of the wages or salaries paid or

 9  incurred for the taxable year which is equal to the amount of

10  the credit allowable for the taxable year under s. 220.181.

11  The provisions of this subparagraph shall expire and be void

12  on June 30, 2005.

13         5.  That portion of the ad valorem school taxes paid or

14  incurred for the taxable year which is equal to the amount of

15  the credit allowable for the taxable year under s. 220.182.

16  The provisions of this subparagraph shall expire and be void

17  on June 30, 2005.

18         6.  The amount of emergency excise tax paid or accrued

19  as a liability to this state under chapter 221 which tax is

20  deductible from gross income in the computation of taxable

21  income for the taxable year.

22         7.  That portion of assessments to fund a guaranty

23  association incurred for the taxable year which is equal to

24  the amount of the credit allowable for the taxable year.

25         8.  In the case of a nonprofit corporation which holds

26  a pari-mutuel permit and which is exempt from federal income

27  tax as a farmers' cooperative, an amount equal to the excess

28  of the gross income attributable to the pari-mutuel operations

29  over the attributable expenses for the taxable year.

30         9.  The amount taken as a credit for the taxable year

31  under s. 220.1895.


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         10.  Up to nine percent of the eligible basis of any

 2  designated project which is equal to the credit allowable for

 3  the taxable year under s. 220.185.

 4         11.  The amount taken as a credit for the taxable year

 5  under s. 220.187.

 6         12.  The amount taken as a credit for the taxable year

 7  under s. 220.192.

 8         Section 15.  Subsection (2) of section 186.801, Florida

 9  Statutes, is amended to read:

10         186.801  Ten-year site plans.--

11         (2)  Within 9 months after the receipt of the proposed

12  plan, the commission shall make a preliminary study of such

13  plan and classify it as "suitable" or "unsuitable." The

14  commission may suggest alternatives to the plan. All findings

15  of the commission shall be made available to the Department of

16  Environmental Protection for its consideration at any

17  subsequent electrical power plant site certification

18  proceedings. It is recognized that 10-year site plans

19  submitted by an electric utility are tentative information for

20  planning purposes only and may be amended at any time at the

21  discretion of the utility upon written notification to the

22  commission. A complete application for certification of an

23  electrical power plant site under chapter 403, when such site

24  is not designated in the current 10-year site plan of the

25  applicant, shall constitute an amendment to the 10-year site

26  plan. In its preliminary study of each 10-year site plan, the

27  commission shall consider such plan as a planning document and

28  shall review:

29         (a)  The need, including the need as determined by the

30  commission, for electrical power in the area to be served.

31         (b)  The effect on fuel diversity within the state.


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         (c)(b)  The anticipated environmental impact of each

 2  proposed electrical power plant site.

 3         (d)(c)  Possible alternatives to the proposed plan.

 4         (e)(d)  The views of appropriate local, state, and

 5  federal agencies, including the views of the appropriate water

 6  management district as to the availability of water and its

 7  recommendation as to the use by the proposed plant of salt

 8  water or fresh water for cooling purposes.

 9         (f)(e)  The extent to which the plan is consistent with

10  the state comprehensive plan.

11         (g)(f)  The plan with respect to the information of the

12  state on energy availability and consumption.

13         Section 16.  Subsection (6) of section 366.04, Florida

14  Statutes, is amended to read:

15         366.04  Jurisdiction of commission.--

16         (6)  The commission shall further have exclusive

17  jurisdiction to prescribe and enforce safety standards for

18  transmission and distribution facilities of all public

19  electric utilities, cooperatives organized under the Rural

20  Electric Cooperative Law, and electric utilities owned and

21  operated by municipalities. In adopting safety standards, the

22  commission shall, at a minimum:

23         (a)  Adopt the 1984 edition of the National Electrical

24  Safety Code (ANSI C2) as initial standards; and

25         (b)  Adopt, after review, any new edition of the

26  National Electrical Safety Code (ANSI C2).

27  

28  The standards prescribed by the current 1984 edition of the

29  National Electrical Safety Code (ANSI C2) shall constitute

30  acceptable and adequate requirements for the protection of the

31  safety of the public, and compliance with the minimum


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  requirements of that code shall constitute good engineering

 2  practice by the utilities. The administrative authority

 3  referred to in the 1984 edition of the National Electrical

 4  Safety Code is the commission. However, nothing herein shall

 5  be construed as superseding, repealing, or amending the

 6  provisions of s. 403.523(1) and (10).

 7         Section 17.  Subsections (1) and (8) of section 366.05,

 8  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

 9         366.05  Powers.--

10         (1)  In the exercise of such jurisdiction, the

11  commission shall have power to prescribe fair and reasonable

12  rates and charges, classifications, standards of quality and

13  measurements, including the ability to adopt construction

14  standards that exceed the National Electrical Safety Code, for

15  purposes of ensuring the reliable provision of service and

16  service rules and regulations to be observed by each public

17  utility; to require repairs, improvements, additions,

18  replacements, and extensions to the plant and equipment of any

19  public utility when reasonably necessary to promote the

20  convenience and welfare of the public and secure adequate

21  service or facilities for those reasonably entitled thereto;

22  to employ and fix the compensation for such examiners and

23  technical, legal, and clerical employees as it deems necessary

24  to carry out the provisions of this chapter; and to adopt

25  rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement and

26  enforce the provisions of this chapter.

27         (8)  If the commission determines that there is

28  probable cause to believe that inadequacies exist with respect

29  to the energy grids developed by the electric utility

30  industry, including inadequacies in fuel diversity or fuel

31  supply reliability, it shall have the power, after proceedings


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  as provided by law, and after a finding that mutual benefits

 2  will accrue to the electric utilities involved, to require

 3  installation or repair of necessary facilities, including

 4  generating plants and transmission facilities, with the costs

 5  to be distributed in proportion to the benefits received, and

 6  to take all necessary steps to ensure compliance. The electric

 7  utilities involved in any action taken or orders issued

 8  pursuant to this subsection shall have full power and

 9  authority, notwithstanding any general or special laws to the

10  contrary, to jointly plan, finance, build, operate, or lease

11  generating and transmission facilities and shall be further

12  authorized to exercise the powers granted to corporations in

13  chapter 361. This subsection shall not supersede or control

14  any provision of the Florida Electrical Power Plant Siting

15  Act, ss. 403.501-403.518.

16         Section 18.  Subsections (5), (8), (9), (12), (18),

17  (24), and (27) of section 403.503, Florida Statutes, are

18  amended, subsections (16) through (28) are renumbered as (17)

19  through (29), respectively, and new subsection (16) is added

20  to that section, to read:

21         403.503  Definitions relating to Florida Electrical

22  Power Plant Siting Act.--As used in this act:

23         (5)  "Application" means the documents required by the

24  department to be filed to initiate a certification review and

25  evaluation, including the initial document filing, amendments,

26  and responses to requests from the department for additional

27  data and information proceeding and shall include the

28  documents necessary for the department to render a decision on

29  any permit required pursuant to any federally delegated or

30  approved permit program.

31  


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         (8)  "Completeness" means that the application has

 2  addressed all applicable sections of the prescribed

 3  application format, and but does not mean that those sections

 4  are sufficient in comprehensiveness of data or in quality of

 5  information provided to allow the department to determine

 6  whether the application provides the reviewing agencies

 7  adequate information to prepare the reports required by s.

 8  403.507.

 9         (9)  "Corridor" means the proposed area within which an

10  associated linear facility right-of-way is to be located. The

11  width of the corridor proposed for certification as an

12  associated facility, at the option of the applicant, may be

13  the width of the right-of-way or a wider boundary, not to

14  exceed a width of 1 mile. The area within the corridor in

15  which a right-of-way may be located may be further restricted

16  by a condition of certification. After all property interests

17  required for the right-of-way have been acquired by the

18  applicant, the boundaries of the area certified shall narrow

19  to only that land within the boundaries of the right-of-way.

20         (12)  "Electrical power plant" means, for the purpose

21  of certification, any steam or solar electrical generating

22  facility using any process or fuel, including nuclear

23  materials, except that this term does not include any steam or

24  solar electric generating facility of less than 75 megawatts

25  in capacity unless the applicant for such a facility elects to

26  apply for certification under this act. This term and includes

27  associated facilities, including offsite facilities, to be

28  owned or operated by the applicant which directly support the

29  construction and operation of the electrical power plant and

30  which are physically connected to the electrical power plant

31  site or which are directly connected to the electrical power


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  plant site by other proposed associated facilities to be owned

 2  by the applicant, such as fuel unloading facilities, pipelines

 3  necessary for transporting fuel for the operation of the

 4  facility or other fuel transportation facilities, water or

 5  wastewater transport pipelines, construction, maintenance and

 6  access roads, railway lines necessary for transport of

 7  construction equipment or fuel for the operation of the

 8  facility. The term also includes and those associated

 9  transmission lines owned or operated by the applicant which

10  connect the electrical power plant to an existing transmission

11  network or rights-of-way to which the applicant intends to

12  connect, except that this term does not include any steam or

13  solar electrical generating facility of less than 75 megawatts

14  in capacity unless the applicant for such a facility elects to

15  apply for certification under this act. Associated facilities

16  An associated transmission line may include, at the

17  applicant's option, offsite associated facilities that will

18  not be owned by the applicant, offsite associated facilities

19  which are owned by the applicant but which are not directly

20  connected to the electrical power plant site, any proposed

21  terminal or intermediate substations or substation expansions

22  connected to the associated transmission line, or new

23  transmission lines or upgrades or improvements of an existing

24  transmission line on any portion of the applicant's electrical

25  transmission system necessary to support the generation

26  injected into the system from the proposed electrical power

27  plant.

28         (16)  "Licensee" means an applicant that has obtained a

29  certification order for the subject project.

30         (19)(18)  "Nonprocedural requirements of agencies"

31  means any agency's regulatory requirements established by


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  statute, rule, ordinance, zoning ordinance, land development

 2  code, or comprehensive plan, excluding any provisions

 3  prescribing forms, fees, procedures, or time limits for the

 4  review or processing of information submitted to demonstrate

 5  compliance with such regulatory requirements.

 6         (25)(24)  "Right-of-way" means land necessary for the

 7  construction and maintenance of a connected associated linear

 8  facility, such as a railroad line, pipeline, or transmission

 9  line as owned by or proposed to be certified by the applicant.

10  The typical width of the right-of-way shall be identified in

11  the application.  The right-of-way shall be located within the

12  certified corridor and shall be identified by the applicant

13  subsequent to certification in documents filed with the

14  department prior to construction.

15         (28)(27)  "Ultimate site capacity" means the maximum

16  generating capacity for a site as certified by the board.

17  "Sufficiency" means that the application is not only complete

18  but that all sections are sufficient in the comprehensiveness

19  of data or in the quality of information provided to allow the

20  department to determine whether the application provides the

21  reviewing agencies adequate information to prepare the reports

22  required by s. 403.507.

23         Section 19.  Subsections (1), (7), (9), and (10) of

24  section 403.504, Florida Statutes, are amended, and new

25  subsections (9), (10), (11), and (12) are added to that

26  section, to read:

27         403.504  Department of Environmental Protection; powers

28  and duties enumerated.--The department shall have the

29  following powers and duties in relation to this act:

30         (1)  To adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and

31  120.54 to implement the provisions of this act, including


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  rules setting forth environmental precautions to be followed

 2  in relation to the location, construction, and operation of

 3  electrical power plants.

 4         (7)  To conduct studies and prepare a project written

 5  analysis under s. 403.507.

 6         (9)  To issue final orders after receipt of the

 7  administrative law judge's order relinquishing jurisdiction

 8  pursuant to s. 403.508(6).

 9         (10)  To act as clerk for the siting board.

10         (11)  To administer and manage the terms and conditions

11  of the certification order and supporting documents and

12  records for the life of the facility.

13         (12)  To issue emergency orders on behalf of the board

14  for facilities licensed under this act.

15         (9)  To notify all affected agencies of the filing of a

16  notice of intent within 15 days after receipt of the notice.

17         (10)  To issue, with the electrical power plant

18  certification, any license required pursuant to any federally

19  delegated or approved permit program.

20         Section 20.  Section 403.5055, Florida Statutes, is

21  amended to read:

22         403.5055  Application for permits pursuant to s.

23  403.0885.--In processing applications for permits pursuant to

24  s. 403.0885 that are associated with applications for

25  electrical power plant certification:

26         (1)  The procedural requirements set forth in 40 C.F.R.

27  s. 123.25, including public notice, public comments, and

28  public hearings, shall be closely coordinated with the

29  certification process established under this part. In the

30  event of a conflict between the certification process and

31  


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  federally required procedures for NPDES permit issuance, the

 2  applicable federal requirements shall control.

 3         (2)  The department's proposed action pursuant to 40

 4  C.F.R. s. 124.6, including any draft NPDES permit (containing

 5  the information required under 40 C.F.R. s. 124.6(d)), shall

 6  within 130 days after the submittal of a complete application

 7  be publicly noticed and transmitted to the United States

 8  Environmental Protection Agency for its review pursuant to 33

 9  U.S.C. s. 1342(d).

10         (2)(3)  If available at the time the department issues

11  its project analysis under s. 403.507(3), the department shall

12  include in its written project analysis pursuant to s.

13  403.507(3) copies of the department's proposed action pursuant

14  to 40 C.F.R. s. 124.6 on any application for a NPDES permit;

15  any corresponding comments received from the United States

16  Environmental Protection Agency, the applicant, or the general

17  public; and the department's response to those comments.

18         (3)(4)  The department shall not issue or deny the

19  permit pursuant to s. 403.0885 in advance of the issuance of

20  the electric power plant certification under this part unless

21  required to do so by the provisions of federal law. When

22  possible, any hearing on a permit issued pursuant to s.

23  403.0885, shall be conducted in conjunction with the

24  certification hearing held pursuant to this act. The

25  department's actions on an NPDES permit shall be based on the

26  record and recommended order of the certification hearing, if

27  the hearing on the NPDES was conducted in conjunction with the

28  certification hearing, and of any other proceeding held in

29  connection with the application for an NPDES permit, timely

30  public comments received with respect to the application, and

31  the provisions of federal law. The department's action on an


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  NPDES permit, if issued, shall differ from the actions taken

 2  by the siting board regarding the certification order if

 3  federal laws and regulations require different action to be

 4  taken to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act, as

 5  amended, and implementing regulations. Nothing in this part

 6  shall be construed to displace the department's authority as

 7  the final permitting entity under the federally approved state

 8  NPDES program. Nothing in this part shall be construed to

 9  authorize the issuance of a state NPDES permit which does not

10  conform to the requirements of the federally approved state

11  NPDES program. The permit, if issued, shall be valid for no

12  more than 5 years.

13         (5)  The department's action on an NPDES permit

14  renewal, if issued, shall differ from the actions taken by the

15  siting board regarding the certification order if federal laws

16  and regulations require different action to be taken to ensure

17  compliance with the Clean Water Act, as amended, and

18  implementing regulations.

19         Section 21.  Section 403.506, Florida Statutes, is

20  amended to read:

21         403.506  Applicability, thresholds, and

22  certification.--

23         (1)  The provisions of this act shall apply to any

24  electrical power plant as defined herein, except that the

25  provisions of this act shall not apply to any electrical power

26  plant or steam generating plant of less than 75 megawatts in

27  capacity or to any substation to be constructed as part of an

28  associated transmission line unless the applicant has elected

29  to apply for certification of such plant or substation under

30  this act. The provisions of this act do not apply to any unit

31  capacity extension of 35 megawatts or less of an existing


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1  exothermic reactor cogeneration unit that was exempt from this

 2  act when the unit was originally built. However, this

 3  exemption does not apply if the unit uses oil or natural gas

 4  for purposes other than to start the unit. No construction of

 5  any new electrical power plant or expansion in steam

 6  generating capacity as measured by an increase in the maximum

 7  electrical generator rating of any existing electrical power

 8  plant may be undertaken after October 1, 1973, without first

 9  obtaining certification in the manner as herein provided,

10  except that this act shall not apply to any such  electrical

11  power plant which is presently operating or under construction

12  or which has, upon the effective date of chapter 73-33, Laws

13  of Florida, applied for a permit or certification under

14  requirements in force prior to the effective date of such act.

15         (2)  Except as provided in the certification,

16  modification of nonnuclear fuels, internal related hardware,

17  including increases in steam turbine efficiency, or operating

18  conditions not in conflict with certification which increase

19  the electrical output of a unit to no greater capacity than

20  the maximum electrical generator rating operating capacity of

21  the existing generator shall not constitute an alteration or

22  addition to generating capacity which requires certification

23  pursuant to this act.

24         (3)  The application for any related department license

25  which is required pursuant to any federally delegated or

26  approved permit program shall be processed within the time

27  periods allowed by this act, in lieu of those specified in s.

28  120.60. However, permits issued pursuant to s. 403.0885 shall

29  be processed in accordance with 40 C.F.R. part 123.

30         Section 22.  Section 403.5064, Florida Statutes, is

31  amended to read:


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 1         403.5064  Application Distribution of application;

 2  schedules.--

 3         (1)  The formal date of certification application

 4  filing and commencement of the certification review process

 5  shall be when the applicant submits:

 6         (a)  Copies of the certification application in a

 7  quantity and format as prescribed by rule to the department

 8  and other agencies identified in s. 403.507(2)(a).

 9         (b)  The application fee specified under s. 403.518 to

10  the department.

11         (2)(1)  Within 7 days after the filing of an

12  application, the department shall provide to the applicant and

13  the Division of Administrative Hearings the names and

14  addresses of any additional those affected or other agencies

15  or persons entitled to notice and copies of the application

16  and any amendments. Copies of the application shall be

17  distributed within 5 days by the applicant to those additional

18  agencies. This distribution may not be the basis for altering

19  the schedule of dates for the certification process.

20         (3)  Any amendment to the application made prior to

21  certification shall be disposed of as part of the original

22  certification proceeding. Amendment of the application may be

23  considered good cause for alteration of time limits pursuant

24  to s. 403.5095.

25         (4)(2)  Within 7 days after the application filing

26  completeness has been determined, the department shall prepare

27  a proposed schedule of dates for determination of

28  completeness, submission of statements of issues,

29  determination of sufficiency, and submittal of final reports,

30  from affected and other agencies and other significant dates

31  to be followed during the certification process, including


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 1  dates for filing notices of appearance to be a party pursuant

 2  to s. 403.508(3)(4). This schedule shall be timely provided by

 3  the department to the applicant, the administrative law judge,

 4  all agencies identified pursuant to subsection (2) (1), and

 5  all parties. Within 7 days after the filing of this proposed

 6  schedule, the administrative law judge shall issue an order

 7  establishing a schedule for the matters addressed in the

 8  department's proposed schedule and other appropriate matters,

 9  if any.

10         (5)(3)  Within 7 days after completeness has been

11  determined, the applicant shall distribute copies of the

12  application to all agencies identified by the department

13  pursuant to subsection (1). Copies of changes and amendments

14  to the application shall be timely distributed by the

15  applicant to all affected agencies and parties who have

16  received a copy of the application.

17         (6)  Notice of the filing of the application shall be

18  published in accordance with the requirements of s. 403.5115.

19         Section 23.  Section 403.5065, Florida Statutes, is

20  amended to read:

21         403.5065  Appointment of administrative law judge,

22  powers and duties.--

23         (1)  Within 7 days after receipt of an application,

24  whether complete or not, the department shall request the

25  Division of Administrative Hearings to designate an

26  administrative law judge to conduct the hearings required by

27  this act. The division director shall designate an

28  administrative law judge within 7 days after receipt of the

29  request from the department. In designating an administrative

30  law judge for this purpose, the division director shall,

31  whenever practicable, assign an administrative law judge who


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 1  has had prior experience or training in electrical power plant

 2  site certification proceedings. Upon being advised that an

 3  administrative law judge has been appointed, the department

 4  shall immediately file a copy of the application and all

 5  supporting documents with the designated administrative law

 6  judge, who shall docket the application.

 7         (2)  The administrative law judge shall have all powers

 8  and duties granted to administrative law judges by chapter 120

 9  and by the laws and rules of the department.

10         Section 24.  Section 403.5066, Florida Statutes, is

11  amended to read:

12         403.5066  Determination of completeness.--

13         (1)(a)  Within 30 days after filing of an application,

14  the affected agencies shall file a statement with the

15  department containing each agency's recommendations on the

16  completeness of the application.

17         (b)  Within 40 15 days after the filing receipt of an

18  application, the department shall file a statement with the

19  Division of Administrative Hearings, and with the applicant,

20  and with all parties declaring its position with regard to the

21  completeness, not the sufficiency, of the application. The

22  department's statement shall be based upon consultation with

23  the affected agencies.

24         (2)(1)  If the department declares the application to

25  be incomplete, the applicant, within 15 days after the filing

26  of the statement by the department, shall file with the

27  Division of Administrative Hearings, and with the department,

28  and all parties a statement:

29         (a)  A withdrawal of Agreeing with the statement of the

30  department and withdrawing the application;

31  


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 1         (b)  A statement agreeing to supply the additional

 2  information necessary to make the application complete. Such

 3  additional information shall be provided within 30 days after

 4  issuance of the department's statement concerning the

 5  completeness of the application. The time schedules under this

 6  act may not be tolled if the applicant makes the application

 7  complete within 30 days after issuance of the department's

 8  statement concerning the completeness of the application. A

 9  subsequent finding by the department that the application

10  remains incomplete based upon additional information submitted

11  by the applicant, or based on the failure of the applicant to

12  timely submit the additional information, tolls the time

13  schedules under this act until the application is determined

14  complete; Agreeing with the statement of the department and

15  agreeing to amend the application without withdrawing it. The

16  time schedules referencing a complete application under this

17  act shall not commence until the application is determined

18  complete; or

19         (c)  A statement contesting the department's

20  determination of incompleteness; or contesting the statement

21  of the department.

22         (d)  A statement agreeing with the department and

23  requesting additional time beyond 30 days to provide the

24  information necessary to make the application complete. If the

25  applicant exercises this option, the time schedules under this

26  act are tolled until the application is determined complete.

27         (3)(a)(2)  If the applicant contests the determination

28  by the department that an application is incomplete, the

29  administrative law judge shall schedule a hearing on the

30  statement of completeness. The hearing shall be held as

31  expeditiously as possible, but not later than 21 30 days after


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 1  the filing of the statement by the department. The

 2  administrative law judge shall render a decision within 7 10

 3  days after the hearing.

 4         (b)  Parties to a hearing on the issue of completeness

 5  shall include the applicant, the department, and any agency

 6  that has jurisdiction over the matter in dispute.

 7         (c)(a)  If the administrative law judge determines that

 8  the application was not complete as filed, the applicant shall

 9  withdraw the application or make such additional submittals as

10  necessary to complete it. The time schedules referencing a

11  complete application under this act shall not commence until

12  the application is determined complete.

13         (d)(b)  If the administrative law judge determines that

14  the application was complete at the time it was declared

15  incomplete filed, the time schedules referencing a complete

16  application under this act shall commence upon such

17  determination.

18         (4)  If the applicant provides additional information

19  to address the issues identified in the determination of

20  incompleteness, each affected agency may submit to the

21  department, no later than 15 days after the applicant files

22  the additional information, a recommendation on whether the

23  agency believes the application is complete. Within 22 days

24  after receipt of the additional information from the applicant

25  submitted under paragraph (2)(b), paragraph (2)(d), or

26  paragraph (3)(c), the department shall determine whether the

27  additional information supplied by an applicant makes the

28  application complete. If the department finds that the

29  application is still incomplete, the applicant may exercise

30  any of the options specified in subsection (2) as often as is

31  necessary to resolve the dispute.


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 1         Section 25.  Section 403.50663, Florida Statutes, is

 2  created to read:

 3         403.50663  Informational public meetings.--

 4         (1)  A local government within whose jurisdiction the

 5  power plant is proposed to be sited, may hold one

 6  informational public meeting in addition to the hearings

 7  specifically authorized by this act on any matter associated

 8  with the electric power plant proceeding. Such informational

 9  public meetings shall be held by the local government, or the

10  regional planning council, if the local government does not

11  hold such a meeting within 70 days after the filing of the

12  application. The purpose of an informational public meeting is

13  for the local government or regional planning council to

14  further inform the public about the proposed electric power

15  plant or associated facilities, obtain comments from the

16  public, and formulate its recommendation with respect to the

17  proposed electric power plant.

18         (2)  Informational public meetings shall be held solely

19  at the option of each local government or regional planning

20  council if a public meeting is not conducted by the local

21  government. It is the legislative intent that local

22  governments or regional planning councils attempt to hold such

23  public meetings. Parties to the proceedings under this act

24  shall be encouraged to attend; however, no party other than

25  the applicant and the department shall be required to attend

26  such informational public meetings.

27         (3)  A local government or regional planning council

28  that intends to conduct an informational public meeting must

29  provide notice of the meeting to all parties not less than 5

30  days prior to the meeting.

31  


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 1         (4)  The failure to hold an informational public

 2  meeting or the procedure used for the informational public

 3  meeting are not grounds for the alteration of any time

 4  limitation in this act under s. 403.5095 or grounds to deny or

 5  condition certification.

 6         Section 26.  Section 403.50665, Florida Statutes, is

 7  created to read:

 8         403.50665  Land use consistency.--

 9         (1)  The applicant shall include with the application a

10  statement concerning the consistency of the site or any

11  directly associated facilities with existing land use plans

12  and zoning ordinances that were in effect on the date the

13  application was filed, and a full description of such

14  consistency.

15         (2)  Within 80 days after the application is filed,

16  each local government shall file a determination with the

17  department, the applicant, the administrative law judge, and

18  all parties on the consistency of the site or any directly

19  associated facilities with existing land use plans and zoning

20  ordinances that were in effect on the date the application was

21  filed based on the information in the application. The

22  applicant shall publish notice of the determination in

23  accordance with the requirements of s. 403.5115.

24         (3)  If any substantially affected person wishes to

25  dispute the local government's determination, he or she shall

26  file a petition with the department within 15 days after the

27  publication of notice of the local government's determination.

28  If a hearing is requested, the provisions of s. 403.508(1)

29  shall apply.

30  

31  


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 1         (4)  The time periods in this section may be altered

 2  upon an agreement between the applicant, the local government,

 3  and the department under s. 403.5095.

 4         (5)  If it is determined by the local government that

 5  the proposed site or directly associated facility does conform

 6  with existing land use plans and zoning ordinances in effect

 7  as of the date of the application and no petition has been

 8  filed, the responsible zoning or planning authority shall not

 9  thereafter change such land use plans or zoning ordinances so

10  as to foreclose construction and operation of the proposed

11  site or directly associated facilities unless certification is

12  subsequently denied or withdrawn.

13         Section 27.  Section 403.5067, Florida Statutes, is

14  repealed.

15         Section 28.  Section 403.507, Florida Statutes, is

16  amended to read:

17         403.507  Preliminary statements of issues, reports,

18  project analyses, and studies.--

19         (1)  Each affected agency identified in paragraph

20  (2)(a) shall submit a preliminary statement of issues to the

21  department, and the applicant, and all parties no later than

22  40 60 days after the certification application has been

23  determined distribution of the complete application. The

24  failure to raise an issue in this statement shall not preclude

25  the issue from being raised in the agency's report.

26         (2)(a)  No later than 100 days after the certification

27  application has been determined complete, the following

28  agencies shall prepare reports as provided below and shall

29  submit them to the department and the applicant within 150

30  days after distribution of the complete application:

31  


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 1         1.  The Department of Community Affairs shall prepare a

 2  report containing recommendations which address the impact

 3  upon the public of the proposed electrical power plant, based

 4  on the degree to which the electrical power plant is

 5  consistent with the applicable portions of the state

 6  comprehensive plan, emergency management, and other such

 7  matters within its jurisdiction. The Department of Community

 8  Affairs may also comment on the consistency of the proposed

 9  electrical power plant with applicable strategic regional

10  policy plans or local comprehensive plans and land development

11  regulations.

12         2.  The Public Service Commission shall prepare a

13  report as to the present and future need for the electrical

14  generating capacity to be supplied by the proposed electrical

15  power plant. The report shall include the commission's

16  determination pursuant to s. 403.519 and may include the

17  commission's comments with respect to any other matters within

18  its jurisdiction.

19         2.3.  The water management district shall prepare a

20  report as to matters within its jurisdiction, including, but

21  not limited to, impact on water resources, impact on regional

22  water supply planning, and impact on district-owned lands and

23  works.

24         3.4.  Each local government in whose jurisdiction the

25  proposed electrical power plant is to be located shall prepare

26  a report as to the consistency of the proposed electrical

27  power plant with all applicable local ordinances, regulations,

28  standards, or criteria that apply to the proposed electrical

29  power plant, including adopted local comprehensive plans, land

30  development regulations, and any applicable local

31  


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 1  environmental regulations adopted pursuant to s. 403.182 or by

 2  other means.

 3         4.5.  The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

 4  shall prepare a report as to matters within its jurisdiction.

 5         5.6.  Each The regional planning council shall prepare

 6  a report containing recommendations that address the impact

 7  upon the public of the proposed electrical power plant, based

 8  on the degree to which the electrical power plant is

 9  consistent with the applicable provisions of the strategic

10  regional policy plan adopted pursuant to chapter 186 and other

11  matters within its jurisdiction.

12         6.  The Department of Transportation shall address the

13  impact of the proposed power plant on matters within its

14  jurisdiction.

15         (b)7.  Any other agency, if requested by the

16  department, shall also perform studies or prepare reports as

17  to matters within that agency's jurisdiction which may

18  potentially be affected by the proposed electrical power

19  plant.

20         (b)  As needed to verify or supplement the studies made

21  by the applicant in support of the application, it shall be

22  the duty of the department to conduct, or contract for,

23  studies of the proposed electrical power plant and site,

24  including, but not limited to, the following, which shall be

25  completed no later than 210 days after the complete

26  application is filed with the department:

27         1.  Cooling system requirements.

28         2.  Construction and operational safeguards.

29         3.  Proximity to transportation systems.

30         4.  Soil and foundation conditions.

31  


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 1         5.  Impact on suitable present and projected water

 2  supplies for this and other competing uses.

 3         6.  Impact on surrounding land uses.

 4         7.  Accessibility to transmission corridors.

 5         8.  Environmental impacts.

 6         9.  Requirements applicable under any federally

 7  delegated or approved permit program.

 8         (3)(c)  Each report described in subsection (2)

 9  paragraphs (a) and (b) shall contain:

10         (a)  A notice of any nonprocedural requirements not

11  specifically listed in the application from which a variance,

12  exemption, exception, all information on variances,

13  exemptions, exceptions, or other relief is necessary in order

14  for the proposed electric power plant to be certified. Failure

15  of such notification by an agency shall be treated as a waiver

16  from nonprocedural requirements of that agency. However, no

17  variance shall be granted from standards or regulations of the

18  department applicable under any federally delegated or

19  approved permit program, except as expressly allowed in such

20  program. which may be required by s. 403.511(2) and

21         (b)  A recommendation for approval or denial of the

22  application.

23         (c)  Any proposed conditions of certification on

24  matters within the jurisdiction of such agency. For each

25  condition proposed by an agency in its report, the agency

26  shall list the specific statute, rule, or ordinance which

27  authorizes the proposed condition.

28         (d)  The agencies shall initiate the activities

29  required by this section no later than 15 30 days after the

30  complete application is distributed. The agencies shall keep

31  


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 1  the applicant and the department informed as to the progress

 2  of the studies and any issues raised thereby.

 3         (3)  No later than 60 days after the application for a

 4  federally required new source review or prevention of

 5  significant deterioration permit for the electrical power

 6  plant is complete and sufficient, the department shall issue

 7  its preliminary determination on such permit. Notice of such

 8  determination shall be published as required by the

 9  department's rules for notices of such permits. The department

10  shall receive public comments and comments from the United

11  States Environmental Protection Agency and other affected

12  agencies on the preliminary determination as provided for in

13  the federally approved state implementation plan. The

14  department shall maintain a record of all comments received

15  and considered in taking action on such permits. If a petition

16  for an administrative hearing on the department's preliminary

17  determination is filed by a substantially affected person,

18  that hearing shall be consolidated with the certification

19  hearing.

20         (4)(a)  No later than 150 days after the application is

21  filed, the Public Service Commission shall prepare a report as

22  to the present and future need for electric generating

23  capacity to be supplied by the proposed electrical power

24  plant. The report shall include the commission's determination

25  pursuant to s. 403.519 and may include the commission's

26  comments with respect to any other matters within its

27  jurisdiction.

28         (b)  Receipt of an affirmative determination of need by

29  the submittal deadline under paragraph (a) and shall be a

30  condition precedent to the issuance of the department's

31  project analysis and its conduct of the certification hearing.


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 1         (5)(4)  The department shall prepare a project written

 2  analysis, which shall be filed with the designated

 3  administrative law judge and served on all parties no later

 4  than 130 240 days after the complete application is determined

 5  complete filed with the department, but no later than 60 days

 6  prior to the hearing, and which shall include:

 7         (a)  A statement indicating whether the proposed

 8  electrical power plant and proposed ultimate site capacity

 9  will be in compliance and consistent with matters within the

10  department's standard jurisdiction, including with the rules

11  of the department, as well as whether the proposed electrical

12  power plant and proposed ultimate site capacity will be in

13  compliance with the nonprocedural requirements of the affected

14  agencies.

15         (b)  Copies of the studies and reports required by this

16  section and s. 403.519.

17         (c)  The comments received by the department from any

18  other agency or person.

19         (d)  The recommendation of the department as to the

20  disposition of the application, of variances, exemptions,

21  exceptions, or other relief identified by any party, and of

22  any proposed conditions of certification which the department

23  believes should be imposed.

24         (e)  If available, the recommendation of the department

25  regarding the issuance of any license required pursuant to a

26  federally delegated or approved permit program.

27         (f)  Copies of the department's draft of the operation

28  permit for a major source of air pollution, which must also be

29  provided to the United States Environmental Protection Agency

30  for review within 5 days after issuance of the written

31  analysis.


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 1         (6)(5)  Except when good cause is shown, the failure of

 2  any agency to submit a preliminary statement of issues or a

 3  report, or to submit its preliminary statement of issues or

 4  report within the allowed time, shall not be grounds for the

 5  alteration of any time limitation in this act. Neither the

 6  failure to submit a preliminary statement of issues or a

 7  report nor the inadequacy of the preliminary statement of

 8  issues or report are shall be grounds to deny or condition

 9  certification.

10         Section 29.  Section 403.508, Florida Statutes, is

11  amended to read:

12         403.508  Land use and certification hearings

13  proceedings, parties, participants.--

14         (1)(a)  If a petition for a hearing on land use has

15  been filed pursuant to s. 403.50665, the designated

16  administrative law judge shall conduct a land use hearing in

17  the county of the proposed site or directly associated

18  facility, as applicable, not later than 30 within 90 days

19  after the department's receipt of the petition a complete

20  application for electrical power plant site certification by

21  the department. The place of such hearing shall be as close as

22  possible to the proposed site or directly associated facility.

23  If a petition is filed, the hearing must be held regardless of

24  the status of the completeness of the application. However,

25  incompleteness of information necessary for a local government

26  to evaluate an application may be claimed by the local

27  government as cause for a statement of inconsistency with

28  existing land use plans and zoning ordinances under s.

29  403.50665.

30         (b)  Notice of the land use hearing shall be published

31  in accordance with the requirements of s. 403.5115.


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 1         (c)(2)  The sole issue for determination at the land

 2  use hearing shall be whether or not the proposed site is

 3  consistent and in compliance with existing land use plans and

 4  zoning ordinances. If the administrative law judge concludes

 5  that the proposed site is not consistent or in compliance with

 6  existing land use plans and zoning ordinances, the

 7  administrative law judge shall receive evidence on, and

 8  address in the recommended order, any changes to or approvals

 9  or variances under the applicable land use plans or zoning

10  ordinances which will render the proposed site consistent and

11  in compliance with the local land use plans and zoning

12  ordinances.

13         (d)  The designated administrative law judge's

14  recommended order shall be issued within 30 days after

15  completion of the hearing and shall be reviewed by the board

16  within 60 45 days after receipt of the recommended order by

17  the board.

18         (e)  If it is determined by the board that the proposed

19  site does conform with existing land use plans and zoning

20  ordinances in effect as of the date of the application, or as

21  otherwise provided by this act, the responsible zoning or

22  planning authority shall not thereafter change such land use

23  plans or zoning ordinances so as to foreclose construction and

24  operation of affect the proposed power plant on the proposed

25  site or directly associated facilities unless certification is

26  subsequently denied or withdrawn.

27         (f)  If it is determined by the board that the proposed

28  site does not conform, it shall be the responsibility of the

29  applicant to make the necessary application for rezoning.

30  Should the application for rezoning be denied, the applicant

31  may appeal this decision to the board, which may, if it


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 1  determines after notice and hearing and upon consideration of

 2  the recommended order on land use and zoning issues that it is

 3  in the public interest to authorize the use of the land as a

 4  site for an electrical power plant, authorize an amendment to

 5  rezoning, a variance, or other approval to the adopted land

 6  use plan and zoning ordinances required to render the proposed

 7  site consistent with local land use plans and zoning

 8  ordinances. The board's actions may not be controlled by any

 9  other procedural requirements of law. In the event a variance

10  or other approval by the board is denied, it shall be the

11  responsibility of the applicant to make the necessary

12  application to the applicable local government for any

13  approvals determined by the board as required to make the

14  proposed site consistent and in compliance with local land use

15  plans and zoning ordinances. No further action may be taken on

16  the complete application by the department until the proposed

17  site conforms to the adopted land use plan or zoning

18  ordinances or the board grants relief as provided under this

19  act.

20         (2)(a)(3)  A certification hearing shall be held by the

21  designated administrative law judge no later than 265 300 days

22  after the complete application is filed with the department;

23  however, an affirmative determination of need by the Public

24  Service Commission pursuant to s. 403.519 shall be a condition

25  precedent to the conduct of the certification hearing. The

26  certification hearing shall be held at a location in proximity

27  to the proposed site. The certification hearing shall also

28  constitute the sole hearing allowed by chapter 120 to

29  determine the substantial interest of a party regarding any

30  required agency license or any related permit required

31  pursuant to any federally delegated or approved permit


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 1  program. At the conclusion of the certification hearing, the

 2  designated administrative law judge shall, after consideration

 3  of all evidence of record, submit to the board a recommended

 4  order no later than 45 60 days after the filing of the hearing

 5  transcript. In the event the administrative law judge fails to

 6  issue a recommended order within 60 days after the filing of

 7  the hearing transcript, the administrative law judge shall

 8  submit a report to the board with a copy to all parties within

 9  60 days after the filing of the hearing transcript to advise

10  the board of the reason for the delay in the issuance of the

11  recommended order and of the date by which the recommended

12  order will be issued.

13         (b)  Notice of the certification hearing and notice of

14  the deadline for filing the notice of intent to be a party

15  shall be made in accordance with the requirements of s.

16  403.5115.

17         (3)(4)(a)  Parties to the proceeding shall include:

18         1.  The applicant.

19         2.  The Public Service Commission.

20         3.  The Department of Community Affairs.

21         4.  The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

22         5.  The water management district.

23         6.  The department.

24         7.  The regional planning council.

25         8.  The local government.

26         9.  The Department of Transportation.

27         (b)  Any party listed in paragraph (a) other than the

28  department or the applicant may waive its right to participate

29  in these proceedings. If such listed party fails to file a

30  notice of its intent to be a party on or before the 90th day

31  


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 1  prior to the certification hearing, such party shall be deemed

 2  to have waived its right to be a party.

 3         (c)  Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 120 to

 4  the contrary, upon the filing with the administrative law

 5  judge of a notice of intent to be a party no later than 75 at

 6  least 15 days after the application is filed prior to the date

 7  of the land use hearing, the following shall also be parties

 8  to the proceeding:

 9         1.  Any agency not listed in paragraph (a) as to

10  matters within its jurisdiction.

11         2.  Any domestic nonprofit corporation or association

12  formed, in whole or in part, to promote conservation or

13  natural beauty; to protect the environment, personal health,

14  or other biological values; to preserve historical sites; to

15  promote consumer interests; to represent labor, commercial, or

16  industrial groups; or to promote comprehensive planning or

17  orderly development of the area in which the proposed

18  electrical power plant is to be located.

19         (d)  Notwithstanding paragraph (e), failure of an

20  agency described in subparagraph (c)1. to file a notice of

21  intent to be a party within the time provided herein shall

22  constitute a waiver of the right of that agency to participate

23  as a party in the proceeding.

24         (e)  Other parties may include any person, including

25  those persons enumerated in paragraph (c) who have failed to

26  timely file a notice of intent to be a party, whose

27  substantial interests are affected and being determined by the

28  proceeding and who timely file a motion to intervene pursuant

29  to chapter 120 and applicable rules. Intervention pursuant to

30  this paragraph may be granted at the discretion of the

31  designated administrative law judge and upon such conditions


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 1  as he or she may prescribe any time prior to 30 days before

 2  the commencement of the certification hearing.

 3         (f)  Any agency, including those whose properties or

 4  works are being affected pursuant to s. 403.509(4), shall be

 5  made a party upon the request of the department or the

 6  applicant.

 7         (4)(a)  The order of presentation at the certification

 8  hearing, unless otherwise changed by the administrative law

 9  judge to ensure the orderly presentation of witnesses and

10  evidence, shall be:

11         1.  The applicant.

12         2.  The department.

13         3.  State agencies.

14         4.  Regional agencies, including regional planning

15  councils and water management districts.

16         5.  Local governments.

17         6.  Other parties.

18         (b)(5)  When appropriate, any person may be given an

19  opportunity to present oral or written communications to the

20  designated administrative law judge. If the designated

21  administrative law judge proposes to consider such

22  communications, then all parties shall be given an opportunity

23  to cross-examine or challenge or rebut such communications.

24         (5)  At the conclusion of the certification hearing,

25  the designated administrative law judge shall, after

26  consideration of all evidence of record, submit to the board a

27  recommended order no later than 45 days after the filing of

28  the hearing transcript.

29         (6)(a)  No sooner than 29 days before the certification

30  hearing, the department or the applicant may request that the

31  administrative law judge cancel the certification hearing and


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 1  relinquish jurisdiction to the department if all parties to

 2  the proceeding stipulate that there are no disputed issues of

 3  fact to be raised at the certification hearing and if

 4  sufficient time remains for the applicant and the department

 5  to publish public notices of the cancellation of the hearing

 6  at least 3 days before the scheduled date of the hearing.

 7         (b)  The administrative law judge shall issue an order

 8  granting or denying the request within 5 days.

 9         (c)  If the administrative law judge grants the

10  request, the department and the applicant shall publish

11  notices of the cancellation of the certification hearing, in

12  accordance with s. 403.5115.

13         (d)1.  If the administrative law judge grants the

14  request, the department shall prepare and issue a final order

15  in accordance with s. 403.509(1)(a).

16         2.  Parties may submit proposed recommended orders to

17  the department no later than 10 days after the administrative

18  law judge issues an order relinquishing jurisdiction.

19         (7)(6)  The applicant shall pay those expenses and

20  costs associated with the conduct of the hearings and the

21  recording and transcription of the proceedings. The designated

22  administrative law judge shall have all powers and duties

23  granted to administrative law judges by chapter 120 and this

24  chapter and by the rules of the department and the

25  Administration Commission, including the authority to resolve

26  disputes over the completeness and sufficiency of an

27  application for certification.

28         (7)  The order of presentation at the certification

29  hearing, unless otherwise changed by the administrative law

30  judge to ensure the orderly presentation of witnesses and

31  evidence, shall be:


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 1         (a)  The applicant.

 2         (b)  The department.

 3         (c)  State agencies.

 4         (d)  Regional agencies, including regional planning

 5  councils and water management districts.

 6         (e)  Local governments.

 7         (f)  Other parties.

 8         (8)  In issuing permits under the federally approved

 9  new source review or prevention of significant deterioration

10  permit program, the department shall observe the procedures

11  specified under the federally approved state implementation

12  plan, including public notice, public comment, public hearing,

13  and notice of applications and amendments to federal, state,

14  and local agencies, to assure that all such permits issued in

15  coordination with the certification of a power plant under

16  this act are federally enforceable and are issued after

17  opportunity for informed public participation regarding the

18  terms and conditions thereof. When possible, any hearing on a

19  federally approved or delegated program permit such as new

20  source review, prevention of significant deterioration permit,

21  or NPDES permit shall be conducted in conjunction with the

22  certification hearing held under this act. The department

23  shall accept written comment with respect to an application

24  for, or the department's preliminary determination on, a new

25  source review or prevention of significant deterioration

26  permit for a period of no less than 30 days from the date

27  notice of such action is published. Upon request submitted

28  within 30 days after published notice, the department shall

29  hold a public meeting, in the area affected, for the purpose

30  of receiving public comment on issues related to the new

31  source review or prevention of significant deterioration


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 1  permit. If requested following notice of the department's

 2  preliminary determination, the public meeting to receive

 3  public comment shall be held prior to the scheduled

 4  certification hearing. The department shall also solicit

 5  comments from the United States Environmental Protection

 6  Agency and other affected federal agencies regarding the

 7  department's preliminary determination for any federally

 8  required new source review or prevention of significant

 9  deterioration permit. It is the intent of the Legislature that

10  the review, processing, and issuance of such federally

11  delegated or approved permits be closely coordinated with the

12  certification process established under this part. In the

13  event of a conflict between the certification process and

14  federally required procedures contained in the state

15  implementation plan, the applicable federal requirements of

16  the implementation plan shall control.

17         Section 30.  Section 403.509, Florida Statutes, is

18  amended to read:

19         403.509  Final disposition of application.--

20         (1)(a)  If the administrative law judge has granted a

21  request to cancel the certification hearing and has

22  relinquished jurisdiction to the department under the

23  provisions of s. 403.508(6), within 40 days thereafter, the

24  secretary of the department shall act upon the application by

25  written order in accordance with the terms of this act, and

26  the stipulation of the parties in requesting the cancellation

27  of the certification hearing.

28         (b)  If the administrative law judge has not granted a

29  request to cancel the certification hearing under the

30  provisions of s. 403.508(6), within 60 days after receipt of

31  the designated administrative law judge's recommended order,


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 1  the board shall act upon the application by written order,

 2  approving certification or denying certification the issuance

 3  of a certificate, in accordance with the terms of this act,

 4  and stating the reasons for issuance or denial. If

 5  certification the certificate is denied, the board shall set

 6  forth in writing the action the applicant would have to take

 7  to secure the board's approval of the application.

 8         (2)  The issues that may be raised in any hearing

 9  before the board shall be limited to those matters raised in

10  the certification proceeding before the administrative law

11  judge or raised in the recommended order. All parties, or

12  their representatives, or persons who appear before the board

13  shall be subject to the provisions of s. 120.66.

14         (3)  In determining whether an application should be

15  approved in whole, approved with modifications or conditions,

16  or denied, the board, or secretary when applicable, shall

17  consider whether, and the extent to which, the location of

18  electric power plant and directly associated facilities and

19  their construction and operation will:

20         (a)  Provide reasonable assurance that operational

21  safeguards are technically sufficient for the public welfare

22  and protection.

23         (b)  Comply with applicable nonprocedural requirements

24  of agencies.

25         (c)  Be consistent with applicable local government

26  comprehensive plans and land development regulations.

27         (d)  Meet the electrical energy needs of the state in

28  an orderly and timely fashion.

29         (e)  Provide a reasonable balance between the need for

30  the facility as established pursuant to s. 403.519, and the

31  impacts upon air and water quality, fish and wildlife, water


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 1  resources, and other natural resources as a result of the

 2  construction and operation of the facility.

 3         (f)  Minimize, through the use of reasonable and

 4  available methods, the adverse effects on human health, the

 5  environment, and the ecology of the land and its wildlife and

 6  the ecology of state waters and their aquatic life.

 7         (4)(3)  Within 30 days after issuance of the

 8  certification, the department shall issue and forward to the

 9  United States Environmental Protection Agency a proposed

10  operation permit for a major source of air pollution and must

11  issue or deny any other license required pursuant to any

12  federally delegated or approved permit program. The

13  department's action on the license and its action on the

14  proposed operation permit for a major source of air pollution

15  shall be based upon the record and recommended order of the

16  certification hearing. The department's actions on a federally

17  required new source review or prevention of significant

18  deterioration permit shall be based on the record and

19  recommended order of the certification hearing and of any

20  other proceeding held in connection with the application for a

21  new source review or prevention of significant deterioration

22  permit, on timely public comments received with respect to the

23  application or preliminary determination for such permit, and

24  on the provisions of the state implementation plan. The

25  department's action on a federally required new source review

26  or prevention of significant deterioration permit shall differ

27  from the actions taken by the siting board regarding the

28  certification if the federally approved state implementation

29  plan requires such a different action to be taken by the

30  department. Nothing in this part shall be construed to

31  displace the department's authority as the final permitting


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 1  entity under the federally approved permit program. Nothing in

 2  this part shall be construed to authorize the issuance of a

 3  new source review or prevention of significant deterioration

 4  permit which does not conform to the requirements of the

 5  federally approved state implementation plan. Any final

 6  operation permit for a major source of air pollution must be

 7  issued in accordance with the provisions of s. 403.0872.

 8  Unless the federally delegated or approved permit program

 9  provides otherwise, licenses issued by the department under

10  this subsection shall be effective for the term of the

11  certification issued by the board. If renewal of any license

12  issued by the department pursuant to a federally delegated or

13  approved permit program is required, such renewal shall not

14  affect the certification issued by the board, except as

15  necessary to resolve inconsistencies pursuant to s.

16  403.516(1)(a).

17         (5)(4)  In regard to the properties and works of any

18  agency which is a party to the certification hearing, the

19  board may shall have the authority to decide issues relating

20  to the use, the connection thereto, or the crossing thereof,

21  for the electrical power plant and its directly associated

22  facilities site and to direct any such agency to execute,

23  within 30 days after the entry of certification, the necessary

24  license or easement for such use, connection, or crossing,

25  subject only to the conditions set forth in such

26  certification. However, the applicant shall seek any necessary

27  interest in state lands the title to which is vested in the

28  Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund from

29  the board of trustees or from the governing board of the water

30  management district before, during, or after the certification

31  proceeding. Certification may be made contingent upon issuance


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 1  of the appropriate interest. The applicant or any party to the

 2  certification proceeding may not directly or indirectly raise

 3  or relitigate any matter that was or could have been an issue

 4  in the certification proceeding in any proceeding before the

 5  Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund in

 6  which the applicant is seeking a necessary interest in state

 7  land, but the information presented in the certification

 8  proceeding shall be available for review by the board of

 9  trustees and its staff.

10         (6)(5)  Except as specified in subsection (4), for the

11  issuance of any operation permit for a major source of air

12  pollution pursuant to s. 403.0872, the issuance or denial of

13  the certification by the board or the Secretary of the

14  department and the issuance or denial of any related

15  department license required pursuant to any federally

16  delegated or approved permit program shall be the final

17  administrative action required as to that application.

18         (6)  All certified electrical power plants must apply

19  for and obtain a major source air-operation permit pursuant to

20  s. 403.0872. Major source air-operation permit applications

21  for certified electrical power plants must be submitted

22  pursuant to a schedule developed by the department. To the

23  extent that any conflicting provision, limitation, or

24  restriction under any rule, regulation, or ordinance imposed

25  by any political subdivision of the state, or by any local

26  pollution control program, was superseded during the

27  certification process pursuant to s. 403.510(1), such rule,

28  regulation, or ordinance shall continue to be superseded for

29  purposes of the major source air-operation permit program

30  under s. 403.0872.

31  


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 1         Section 31.  Section 403.511, Florida Statutes, is

 2  amended to read:

 3         403.511  Effect of certification.--

 4         (1)  Subject to the conditions set forth therein, any

 5  certification signed by the Governor shall constitute the sole

 6  license of the state and any agency as to the approval of the

 7  site and the construction and operation of the proposed

 8  electrical power plant, except for the issuance of department

 9  licenses required under any federally delegated or approved

10  permit program and except as otherwise provided in subsection

11  (4).

12         (2)(a)  The certification shall authorize the applicant

13  named therein to construct and operate the proposed electrical

14  power plant, subject only to the conditions of certification

15  set forth in such certification, and except for the issuance

16  of department licenses or permits required under any federally

17  delegated or approved permit program.

18         (b)1.  Except as provided in subsection (4), the

19  certification may include conditions which constitute

20  variances, exemptions, or exceptions from nonprocedural

21  requirements of the department or any agency which were

22  expressly considered during the proceeding, including, but not

23  limited to, any site-specific criteria, standards, or

24  limitations under local land use or zoning approvals which

25  affect the proposed power plant or its site, unless waived by

26  the agency as provided below and which otherwise would be

27  applicable to the construction and operation of the proposed

28  electrical power plant.

29         2.  No variance, exemption, exception, or other relief

30  shall be granted from a state statute or rule for the

31  protection of endangered or threatened species, aquatic


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 1  preserves, Outstanding National Resource Waters, or

 2  Outstanding Florida Waters or for the disposal of hazardous

 3  waste, except to the extent authorized by the applicable

 4  statute or rule or except upon a finding in the certification

 5  order by the siting board that the public interests set forth

 6  in s. 403.509(3) 403.502 in certifying the electrical power

 7  plant at the site proposed by the applicant overrides the

 8  public interest protected by the statute or rule from which

 9  relief is sought. Each party shall notify the applicant and

10  other parties at least 60 days prior to the certification

11  hearing of any nonprocedural requirements not specifically

12  listed in the application from which a variance, exemption,

13  exception, or other relief is necessary in order for the board

14  to certify any electrical power plant proposed for

15  certification. Failure of such notification by an agency shall

16  be treated as a waiver from nonprocedural requirements of the

17  department or any other agency. However, no variance shall be

18  granted from standards or regulations of the department

19  applicable under any federally delegated or approved permit

20  program, except as expressly allowed in such program.

21         (3)  The certification and any order on land use and

22  zoning issued under this act shall be in lieu of any license,

23  permit, certificate, or similar document required by any

24  state, regional, or local agency pursuant to, but not limited

25  to, chapter 125, chapter 161, chapter 163, chapter 166,

26  chapter 186, chapter 253, chapter 298, chapter 370, chapter

27  373, chapter 376, chapter 380, chapter 381, chapter 387,

28  chapter 403, except for permits issued pursuant to any

29  federally delegated or approved permit program s. 403.0885 and

30  except as provided in s. 403.509(3) and (6), chapter 404 or,

31  the Florida Transportation Code, or 33 U.S.C. s. 1341.


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 1         (4)  This act shall not affect in any way the

 2  ratemaking powers of the Public Service Commission under

 3  chapter 366; nor shall this act in any way affect the right of

 4  any local government to charge appropriate fees or require

 5  that construction be in compliance with applicable building

 6  construction codes.

 7         (5)(a)  An electrical power plant certified pursuant to

 8  this act shall comply with rules adopted by the department

 9  subsequent to the issuance of the certification which

10  prescribe new or stricter criteria, to the extent that the

11  rules are applicable to electrical power plants. Except when

12  express variances, exceptions, exemptions, or other relief

13  have been granted, subsequently adopted rules which prescribe

14  new or stricter criteria shall operate as automatic

15  modifications to certifications.

16         (b)  Upon written notification to the department, any

17  holder of a certification issued pursuant to this act may

18  choose to operate the certified electrical power plant in

19  compliance with any rule subsequently adopted by the

20  department which prescribes criteria more lenient than the

21  criteria required by the terms and conditions in the

22  certification which are not site-specific.

23         (c)  No term or condition of certification shall be

24  interpreted to preclude the postcertification exercise by any

25  party of whatever procedural rights it may have under chapter

26  120, including those related to rulemaking proceedings. This

27  subsection shall apply to previously issued certifications.

28         (6)  No term or condition of a site certification shall

29  be interpreted to supersede or control the provisions of a

30  final operation permit for a major source of air pollution

31  


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 1  issued by the department pursuant to s. 403.0872 to such

 2  facility certified under this part.

 3         (7)  No term or condition of a site certification shall

 4  be interpreted to supersede or control the provisions of a

 5  final operation permit for a major source of air pollution

 6  issued by the department pursuant to s. 403.0872, to a

 7  facility certified under this part.

 8         (8)  Pursuant to s. 380.23, electrical power plants are

 9  subject to the federal coastal consistency review program.

10  Issuance of certification shall constitute the state's

11  certification of coastal zone consistency.

12         Section 32.  Section 403.5112, Florida Statutes, is

13  created to read:

14         403.5112  Filing of notice of certified corridor

15  route.--

16         (1)  Within 60 days after certification of a directly

17  associated linear facility pursuant to this act, the applicant

18  shall file, in accordance with s. 28.222, with the department

19  and the clerk of the circuit court for each county through

20  which the corridor will pass, a notice of the certified route.

21         (2)  The notice shall consist of maps or aerial

22  photographs in the scale of 1:24,000 which clearly show the

23  location of the certified route and shall state that the

24  certification of the corridor will result in the acquisition

25  of rights-of-way within the corridor. Each clerk shall record

26  the filing in the official record of the county for the

27  duration of the certification or until such time as the

28  applicant certifies to the department and the clerk that all

29  lands required for the transmission line rights-of-way within

30  the corridor have been acquired within such county, whichever

31  is sooner.


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 1         Section 33.  Section 403.5113, Florida Statutes, is

 2  created to read:

 3         403.5113  Postcertification amendments.--

 4         (1)  If, subsequent to certification by the board, a

 5  licensee proposes any material change to the application, and

 6  revisions or amendments thereto, as certified, the licensee

 7  shall submit a written request for amendment and a description

 8  of the proposed change to the application to the department.

 9  Within 30 days after the receipt of the request for the

10  amendment, the department shall determine whether the proposed

11  change to the application requires a modification of the

12  conditions of certification.

13         (2)  If the department concludes that the change would

14  not require a modification of the conditions of certification,

15  the department shall provide written notification of the

16  approval of the proposed amendment to the licensee, all

17  agencies, and all other parties.

18         (3)  If the department concludes that the change would

19  require a modification of the conditions of certification, the

20  department shall provide written notification to the licensee

21  that the proposed change to the application requires a request

22  for modification pursuant to s. 403.516.

23         Section 34.  Section 403.5115, Florida Statutes, is

24  amended to read:

25         403.5115  Public notice; costs of proceeding.--

26         (1)  The following notices are to be published by the

27  applicant:

28         (a)  Notice A notice of the filing of a notice of

29  intent under s. 403.5063, which shall be published within 21

30  days after the filing of the notice. The notice shall be

31  published as specified by subsection (2), except that the


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 1  newspaper notice shall be one-fourth page in size in a

 2  standard size newspaper or one-half page in size in a tabloid

 3  size newspaper.

 4         (b)  Notice A notice of filing of the application,

 5  which shall include a description of the proceedings required

 6  by this act, within 21 days after the date of the application

 7  filing be published as specified in subsection (2), within 15

 8  days after the application has been determined complete. Such

 9  notice shall give notice of the provisions of s. 403.511(1)

10  and (2) and that the application constitutes a request for a

11  federally required new source review or prevention of

12  significant deterioration permit.

13         (c)  Notice of the land use determination made pursuant

14  to s. 403.50665(1) within 15 days after the determination is

15  filed.

16         (d)  Notice of the land use hearing, which shall be

17  published as specified in subsection (2), no later than 15 45

18  days before the hearing.

19         (e)(d)  Notice of the certification hearing and notice

20  of the deadline for filing notice of intent to be a party,

21  which shall be published as specified in subsection (2), at

22  least 65 days before the date set for the certification no

23  later than 45 days before the hearing.

24         (f)  Notice of the cancellation of the certification

25  hearing, if applicable, no later than 3 days before the date

26  of the originally scheduled certification hearing.

27         (g)(e)  Notice of modification when required by the

28  department, based on whether the requested modification of

29  certification will significantly increase impacts to the

30  environment or the public. Such notice shall be published as

31  specified under subsection (2):


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 1         1.  Within 21 days after receipt of a request for

 2  modification., except that The newspaper notice shall be of a

 3  size as directed by the department commensurate with the scope

 4  of the modification.

 5         2.  If a hearing is to be conducted in response to the

 6  request for modification, then notice shall be published no

 7  later than 30 days before the hearing provided as specified in

 8  paragraph (d).

 9         (h)(f)  Notice of a supplemental application, which

10  shall be published as specified in paragraph (1)(b) and

11  subsection (2). follows:

12         1.  Notice of receipt of the supplemental application

13  shall be published as specified in paragraph (b).

14         2.  Notice of the certification hearing shall be

15  published as specified in paragraph (d).

16         (i)  Notice of existing site certification pursuant to

17  s. 403.5175. Notices shall be published as specified in

18  paragraph (1)(b) and subsection (2).

19         (2)  Notices provided by the applicant shall be

20  published in newspapers of general circulation within the

21  county or counties in which the proposed electrical power

22  plant will be located. The newspaper notices shall be at least

23  one-half page in size in a standard size newspaper or a full

24  page in a tabloid size newspaper and published in a section of

25  the newspaper other than the legal notices section. These

26  notices shall include a map generally depicting the project

27  and all associated facilities corridors. A newspaper of

28  general circulation shall be the newspaper which has the

29  largest daily circulation in that county and has its principal

30  office in that county. If the newspaper with the largest daily

31  circulation has its principal office outside the county, the


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 1  notices shall appear in both the newspaper having the largest

 2  circulation in that county and in a newspaper authorized to

 3  publish legal notices in that county.

 4         (3)  All notices published by the applicant shall be

 5  paid for by the applicant and shall be in addition to the

 6  application fee.

 7         (4)  The department shall arrange for publication of

 8  the following notices in the manner specified by chapter 120

 9  and provide copies of those notices to any persons who have

10  requested to be placed on the departmental mailing list for

11  this purpose:

12         (a)  Notice Publish in the Florida Administrative

13  Weekly notices of the filing of the notice of intent within 15

14  days after receipt of the notice.;

15         (b)  Notice of the filing of the application, no later

16  than 21 days after the application filing.;

17         (c)  Notice of the land use determination made pursuant

18  to s. 403.50665(1), within 15 days after the determination is

19  filed.

20         (d)  Notice of the land use hearing before the

21  administrative law judge, if applicable, no later than 15 days

22  before the hearing.;

23         (e)  Notice of the land use hearing before the board,

24  if applicable.

25         (f)  Notice of the certification hearing at least 65

26  days before the date set for the certification hearing.;

27         (g)  Notice of cancellation of the certification

28  hearing, if applicable, no later than 3 days before the date

29  of the originally scheduled certification hearing.

30         (h)  Notice of the hearing before the board, if

31  applicable.;


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 1         (i)  Notice and of stipulations, proposed agency

 2  action, or petitions for modification.; and

 3         (b)  Provide copies of those notices to any persons who

 4  have requested to be placed on the departmental mailing list

 5  for this purpose.

 6         (5)  The applicant shall pay those expenses and costs

 7  associated with the conduct of the hearings and the recording

 8  and transcription of the proceedings.

 9         Section 35.  Section 403.513, Florida Statutes, is

10  amended to read:

11         403.513  Review.--Proceedings under this act shall be

12  subject to judicial review as provided in chapter 120. When

13  possible, separate appeals of the certification order issued

14  by the board and of any department permit issued pursuant to a

15  federally delegated or approved permit program may shall be

16  consolidated for purposes of judicial review.

17         Section 36.  Section 403.516, Florida Statutes, is

18  amended to read:

19         403.516  Modification of certification.--

20         (1)  A certification may be modified after issuance in

21  any one of the following ways:

22         (a)  The board may delegate to the department the

23  authority to modify specific conditions in the certification.

24         (b)1.  The department may modify specific conditions of

25  a site certification which are inconsistent with the terms of

26  any federally delegated or approved final air pollution

27  operation permit for the certified electrical power plant

28  issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency

29  under the terms of 42 U.S.C. s. 7661d.

30         2.  Such modification may be made without further

31  notice if the matter has been previously noticed under the


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 1  requirements for any federally delegated or approved permit

 2  program.

 3         (c)  The licensee may file a petition for modification

 4  with the department or the department may initiate the

 5  modification upon its own initiative.

 6         1.  A petition for modification must set forth:

 7         a.  The proposed modification.

 8         b.  The factual reasons asserted for the modification.

 9         c.  The anticipated environmental effects of the

10  proposed modification.

11         2.(b)  The department may modify the terms and

12  conditions of the certification if no party to the

13  certification hearing objects in writing to such modification

14  within 45 days after notice by mail to such party's last

15  address of record, and if no other person whose substantial

16  interests will be affected by the modification objects in

17  writing within 30 days after issuance of public notice.

18         3.  If objections are raised or the department denies

19  the request, the applicant or department may file a request

20  petition for a hearing on the modification with the

21  department. Such request shall be handled pursuant to chapter

22  120 paragraph (c).

23         (c)  A petition for modification may be filed by the

24  applicant or the department setting forth:

25         1.  The proposed modification,

26         2.  The factual reasons asserted for the modification,

27  and

28         3.  The anticipated effects of the proposed

29  modification on the applicant, the public, and the

30  environment.

31  


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 1  The petition for modification shall be filed with the

 2  department and the Division of Administrative Hearings.

 3         4.  Requests referred to the Division of Administrative

 4  Hearings shall be disposed of in the same manner as an

 5  application, but with time periods established by the

 6  administrative law judge commensurate with the significance of

 7  the modification requested.

 8         (d)  As required by s. 403.511(5).

 9         (2)  Petitions filed pursuant to paragraph (1)(c) shall

10  be disposed of in the same manner as an application, but with

11  time periods established by the administrative law judge

12  commensurate with the significance of the modification

13  requested.

14         (2)(3)  Any agreement or modification under this

15  section must be in accordance with the terms of this act. No

16  modification to a certification shall be granted that

17  constitutes a variance from standards or regulations of the

18  department applicable under any federally delegated or

19  approved permit program, except as expressly allowed in such

20  program.

21         Section 37.  Section 403.517, Florida Statutes, is

22  amended to read:

23         403.517  Supplemental applications for sites certified

24  for ultimate site capacity.--

25         (1)(a)  Supplemental The department shall adopt rules

26  governing the processing of supplemental applications may be

27  submitted for certification of the construction and operation

28  of electrical power plants to be located at sites which have

29  been previously certified for an ultimate site capacity

30  pursuant to this act. Supplemental applications shall be

31  limited to electrical power plants using the fuel type


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 1  previously certified for that site. Such applications shall

 2  include all new directly associated facilities that support

 3  the construction and operation of the electric power plant.

 4  The rules adopted pursuant to this section shall include

 5  provisions for:

 6         1.  Prompt appointment of a designated administrative

 7  law judge.

 8         2.  The contents of the supplemental application.

 9         3.  Resolution of disputes as to the completeness and

10  sufficiency of supplemental applications by the designated

11  administrative law judge.

12         4.  Public notice of the filing of the supplemental

13  applications.

14         5.  Time limits for prompt processing of supplemental

15  applications.

16         6.  Final disposition by the board within 215 days of

17  the filing of a complete supplemental application.

18         (b)  The review shall use the same procedures and

19  notices as for an initial application.

20         (c)(b)  The time limits for processing of a complete

21  supplemental application shall be designated by the department

22  commensurate with the scope of the supplemental application,

23  but shall not exceed any time limitation governing the review

24  of initial applications for site certification pursuant to

25  this act, it being the legislative intent to provide shorter

26  time limitations for the processing of supplemental

27  applications for electrical power plants to be constructed and

28  operated at sites which have been previously certified for an

29  ultimate site capacity.

30         (d)(c)  Any time limitation in this section or in rules

31  adopted pursuant to this section may be altered pursuant to s.


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 1  403.5095 by the designated administrative law judge upon

 2  stipulation between the department and the applicant, unless

 3  objected to by any party within 5 days after notice, or for

 4  good cause shown by any party. The parties to the proceeding

 5  shall adhere to the provisions of chapter 120 and this act in

 6  considering and processing such supplemental applications.

 7         (2)  Supplemental applications shall be reviewed as

 8  provided in ss. 403.507-403.511, except that the time limits

 9  provided in this section shall apply to such supplemental

10  applications.

11         (3)  The land use and zoning consistency determination

12  of s. 403.50665 hearing requirements of s. 403.508(1) and (2)

13  shall not be applicable to the processing of supplemental

14  applications pursuant to this section so long as:

15         (a)  The previously certified ultimate site capacity is

16  not exceeded; and

17         (b)  The lands required for the construction or

18  operation of the electrical power plant which is the subject

19  of the supplemental application are within the boundaries of

20  the previously certified site.

21         (4)  For the purposes of this act, the term "ultimate

22  site capacity" means the maximum generating capacity for a

23  site as certified by the board.

24         Section 38.  Section 403.5175, Florida Statutes, is

25  amended to read:

26         403.5175  Existing electrical power plant site

27  certification.--

28         (1)  An electric utility that owns or operates an

29  existing electrical power plant as defined in s. 403.503(12)

30  may apply for certification of an existing power plant and its

31  site in order to obtain all agency licenses necessary to


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 1  assure compliance with federal or state environmental laws and

 2  regulation using the centrally coordinated, one-stop licensing

 3  process established by this part. An application for site

 4  certification under this section must be in the form

 5  prescribed by department rule. Applications must be reviewed

 6  and processed using the same procedural steps and notices as

 7  for an application for a new facility in accordance with ss.

 8  403.5064-403.5115, except that a determination of need by the

 9  Public Service Commission is not required.

10         (2)  An application for certification under this

11  section must include:

12         (a)  A description of the site and existing power plant

13  installations;

14         (b)  A description of all proposed changes or

15  alterations to the site or electrical power plant, including

16  all new associated facilities that are the subject of the

17  application;

18         (c)  A description of the environmental and other

19  impacts caused by the existing utilization of the site and

20  directly associated facilities, and the operation of the

21  electrical power plant that is the subject of the application,

22  and of the environmental and other benefits, if any, to be

23  realized as a result of the proposed changes or alterations if

24  certification is approved and such other information as is

25  necessary for the reviewing agencies to evaluate the proposed

26  changes and the expected impacts;

27         (d)  The justification for the proposed changes or

28  alterations;

29         (e)  Copies of all existing permits, licenses, and

30  compliance plans authorizing utilization of the site and

31  


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 1  directly associated facilities or operation of the electrical

 2  power plant that is the subject of the application.

 3         (3)  The land use and zoning determination hearing

 4  requirements of s. 403.50665 s. 403.508(1) and (2) do not

 5  apply to an application under this section if the applicant

 6  does not propose to expand the boundaries of the existing

 7  site. If the applicant proposes to expand the boundaries of

 8  the existing site to accommodate portions of the plant or

 9  associated facilities, a land use and zoning determination

10  shall be made hearing must be held as specified in s.

11  403.50665 s. 403.508(1) and (2); provided, however, that the

12  sole issue for determination through the land use hearing is

13  whether the proposed site expansion is consistent and in

14  compliance with the existing land use plans and zoning

15  ordinances.

16         (4)  In considering whether an application submitted

17  under this section should be approved in whole, approved with

18  appropriate conditions, or denied, the board shall consider

19  whether, and to the extent to which the proposed changes to

20  the electrical power plant and its continued operation under

21  certification will:

22         (a)  Comply with the provisions of s. 403.509(3).

23  applicable nonprocedural requirements of agencies;

24         (b)  Result in environmental or other benefits compared

25  to current utilization of the site and operations of the

26  electrical power plant if the proposed changes or alterations

27  are undertaken.;

28         (c)  Minimize, through the use of reasonable and

29  available methods, the adverse effects on human health, the

30  environment, and the ecology of the land and its wildlife and

31  the ecology of state waters and their aquatic life; and


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 1         (d)  Serve and protect the broad interests of the

 2  public.

 3         (5)  An applicant's failure to receive approval for

 4  certification of an existing site or an electrical power plant

 5  under this section is without prejudice to continued operation

 6  of the electrical power plant or site under existing agency

 7  licenses.

 8         Section 39.  Section 403.518, Florida Statutes, is

 9  amended to read:

10         403.518  Fees; disposition.--

11         (1)  The department shall charge the applicant the

12  following fees, as appropriate, which, unless otherwise

13  specified, shall be paid into the Florida Permit Fee Trust

14  Fund:

15         (a)  A fee for a notice of intent pursuant to s.

16  403.5063, in the amount of $2,500, to be submitted to the

17  department at the time of filing of a notice of intent. The

18  notice-of-intent fee shall be used and disbursed in the same

19  manner as the application fee.

20         (b)  An application fee, which shall not exceed

21  $200,000. The fee shall be fixed by rule on a sliding scale

22  related to the size, type, ultimate site capacity, or increase

23  in electric generating capacity proposed by the application,

24  or the number and size of local governments in whose

25  jurisdiction the electrical power plant is located.

26         1.  Sixty percent of the fee shall go to the department

27  to cover any costs associated with coordinating the review

28  reviewing and acting upon the application, to cover any field

29  services associated with monitoring construction and operation

30  of the facility, and to cover the costs of the public notices

31  published by the department.


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 1         2.  The following percentages Twenty percent of the fee

 2  or $25,000, whichever is greater, shall be transferred to the

 3  Administrative Trust Fund of the Division of Administrative

 4  Hearings of the Department of Management Services:.

 5         a.  Five percent to compensate expenses from the

 6  initial exercise of duties associated with the filing of an

 7  application.

 8         b.  An additional 5 percent if a land use hearing is

 9  held pursuant to s. 403.508.

10         c.  An additional 10 percent if a certification hearing

11  is held pursuant to s. 403.508.

12         3.a.  Upon written request with proper itemized

13  accounting within 90 days after final agency action by the

14  board or withdrawal of the application, the agencies that

15  prepared reports pursuant to s. 403.507 or participated in a

16  hearing pursuant to s. 403.508, may submit a written request

17  to the department for reimbursement of expenses incurred

18  during the certification proceedings. The request shall

19  contain an accounting of expenses incurred which may include

20  time spent reviewing the application, the department shall

21  reimburse the Department of Community Affairs, the Fish and

22  Wildlife Conservation Commission, and any water management

23  district created pursuant to chapter 373, regional planning

24  council, and local government in the jurisdiction of which the

25  proposed electrical power plant is to be located, and any

26  other agency from which the department requests special

27  studies pursuant to s. 403.507(2)(a)7. Such reimbursement

28  shall be authorized for the preparation of any studies

29  required of the agencies by this act, and for agency travel

30  and per diem to attend any hearing held pursuant to this act,

31  and for any agency's or local government's provision of notice


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 1  of public meetings or meetings required as a result of the

 2  application for certification governments to participate in

 3  the proceedings. The department shall review the request and

 4  verify that the expenses are valid. Valid expenses shall be

 5  reimbursed; however, in the event the amount of funds

 6  available for reimbursement allocation is insufficient to

 7  provide for full compensation complete reimbursement to the

 8  agencies requesting reimbursement, reimbursement shall be on a

 9  prorated basis.

10         b.  If the application review is held in abeyance for

11  more than 1 year, the agencies may submit a request for

12  reimbursement.

13         4.  If any sums are remaining, the department shall

14  retain them for its use in the same manner as is otherwise

15  authorized by this act; provided, however, that if the

16  certification application is withdrawn, the remaining sums

17  shall be refunded to the applicant within 90 days after

18  withdrawal.

19         (c)1.  A certification modification fee, which shall

20  not exceed $30,000. The department shall establish rules for

21  determining such a fee based on the equipment redesign, change

22  in site size, type, increase in generating capacity proposed,

23  or change in an associated linear facility location.

24         2.  The fee shall be submitted to the department with a

25  formal petition for modification to the department pursuant to

26  s. 403.516. This fee shall be established, disbursed, and

27  processed in the same manner as the application fee in

28  paragraph (b), except that the Division of Administrative

29  Hearings shall not receive a portion of the fee unless the

30  petition for certification modification is referred to the

31  Division of Administrative Hearings for hearing. If the


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 1  petition is so referred, only $10,000 of the fee shall be

 2  transferred to the Administrative Trust Fund of the Division

 3  of Administrative Hearings of the Department of Management

 4  Services. The fee for a modification by agreement filed

 5  pursuant to s. 403.516(1)(b) shall be $10,000 to be paid upon

 6  the filing of the request for modification. Any sums remaining

 7  after payment of authorized costs shall be refunded to the

 8  applicant within 90 days of issuance or denial of the

 9  modification or withdrawal of the request for modification.

10         (d)  A supplemental application fee, not to exceed

11  $75,000, to cover all reasonable expenses and costs of the

12  review, processing, and proceedings of a supplemental

13  application. This fee shall be established, disbursed, and

14  processed in the same manner as the certification application

15  fee in paragraph (b), except that only $20,000 of the fee

16  shall be transferred to the Administrative Trust Fund of the

17  Division of Administrative Hearings of the Department of

18  Management Services.

19         (e)  An existing site certification application fee,

20  not to exceed $200,000, to cover all reasonable costs and

21  expenses of the review processing and proceedings for

22  certification of an existing power plant site under s.

23  403.5175. This fee must be established, disbursed, and

24  processed in the same manner as the certification application

25  fee in paragraph (b).

26         (2)  Effective upon the date commercial operation

27  begins, the operator of an electrical power plant certified

28  under this part is required to pay to the department an annual

29  operation license fee as specified in s. 403.0872(11) to be

30  deposited in the Air Pollution Control Trust Fund.

31  


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 1         Section 40.  Any application for power plant

 2  certification filed pursuant to ss. 403.501-403.518 shall be

 3  processed under the provisions of law applicable at the time

 4  the application is filed, except that the provisions relating

 5  to cancellation of the certification hearing under s.

 6  403.508(6), the provisions relating to the final disposition

 7  of the application and issuance of the written order by the

 8  secretary under s. 403.509(1)(a), and notice of the

 9  cancellation of the certification hearing under s. 403.5115

10  may apply to any application for power plant certification.

11         Section 41.  Section 403.519, Florida Statutes, is

12  amended to read:

13         403.519  Exclusive forum for determination of need.--

14         (1)  On request by an applicant or on its own motion,

15  the commission shall begin a proceeding to determine the need

16  for an electrical power plant subject to the Florida

17  Electrical Power Plant Siting Act.

18         (2)  The applicant commission shall publish a notice of

19  the proceeding in a newspaper of general circulation in each

20  county in which the proposed electrical power plant will be

21  located. The notice shall be at least one-quarter of a page

22  and published at least 21 45 days prior to the scheduled date

23  for the proceeding. The commission shall publish notice of the

24  proceeding in the manner specified by chapter 120 at least 21

25  days prior to the scheduled date for the proceeding.

26         (3)  The commission shall be the sole forum for the

27  determination of this matter, which accordingly shall not be

28  raised in any other forum or in the review of proceedings in

29  such other forum. In making its determination, the commission

30  shall take into account the need for electric system

31  reliability and integrity, the need for adequate electricity


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 1  at a reasonable cost, the need for fuel diversity and supply

 2  reliability, and whether the proposed plant is the most

 3  cost-effective alternative available. The commission shall

 4  also expressly consider the conservation measures taken by or

 5  reasonably available to the applicant or its members which

 6  might mitigate the need for the proposed plant and other

 7  matters within its jurisdiction which it deems relevant. The

 8  commission's determination of need for an electrical power

 9  plant shall create a presumption of public need and necessity

10  and shall serve as the commission's report required by s.

11  403.407(2)(b) 403.507(2)(a)2. An order entered pursuant to

12  this section constitutes final agency action.

13         (4)  In making its determination on a proposed

14  electrical power plant using nuclear materials as fuel, the

15  commission shall hold a hearing within 90 days after the

16  filing of the petition to determine need and shall issue an

17  order granting or denying the petition within 135 days after

18  the date of the filing of the petition. The commission shall

19  be the sole forum for the determination of this matter and the

20  issues addressed in the petition, which accordingly shall not

21  be reviewed in any other forum or in the review of proceedings

22  in such other forum. In making its determination to grant or

23  deny the petition, the commission shall consider the need for

24  electric system reliability and integrity, including fuel

25  diversity, the need for base-load generating capacity, and the

26  need for adequate electricity at a reasonable cost.

27         (a)  The applicant's petition shall include:

28         1.  A description of the need for the generation

29  capacity.

30         2.  A description of how the proposed nuclear power

31  plant will enhance the reliability of electric power


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 1  production within the state by improving the balance of power

 2  plant fuel diversity and reducing Florida's dependence on fuel

 3  oil and natural gas.

 4         3.  A description of and a nonbinding estimate of the

 5  cost of the nuclear power plant.

 6         4.  The annualized base revenue requirement for the

 7  first 12 months of operation of the nuclear power plant.

 8         5.  Information on whether there were any discussions

 9  with any electric utilities regarding ownership of a portion

10  of the plant by such electric utilities.

11         (b)  In making its determination, the commission shall

12  take into account matters within its jurisdiction, which it

13  deems relevant, including whether the nuclear power plant

14  will:

15         1.  Provide needed base-load capacity.

16         2.  Enhance the reliability of electric power

17  production within the state by improving the balance of power

18  plant fuel diversity and reducing Florida's dependence on fuel

19  oil and natural gas.

20         3.  Provide the most cost-effective source of power,

21  taking into account the need to improve the balance of fuel

22  diversity, reduce Florida's dependence on fuel oil and natural

23  gas, reduce air emission compliance costs, and contribute to

24  the long-term stability and reliability of the electric grid.

25         (c)  No provision of rule 25-22.082, Florida

26  Administrative Code, shall be applicable to a nuclear power

27  plant sited under this act, including provisions for cost

28  recovery, and an applicant shall not otherwise be required to

29  secure competitive proposals for power supply prior to making

30  application under this act or receiving a determination of

31  need from the commission.


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 1         (d)  The commission's determination of need for a

 2  nuclear power plant shall create a presumption of public need

 3  and necessity and shall serve as the commission's report

 4  required by s. 403.507(4)(a). An order entered pursuant to

 5  this section constitutes final agency action. Any petition for

 6  reconsideration of a final order on a petition for need

 7  determination shall be filed within 5 days after the date of

 8  such order. The commission's final order, including any order

 9  on reconsideration, shall be reviewable on appeal in the

10  Florida Supreme Court.  Inasmuch as delay in the determination

11  of need will delay siting of a nuclear power plant or diminish

12  the opportunity for savings to customers under the federal

13  Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Supreme Court shall proceed to

14  hear and determine the action as expeditiously as practicable

15  and give the action precedence over matters not accorded

16  similar precedence by law.

17         (e)  After a petition for determination of need for a

18  nuclear power plant has been granted, the right of a utility

19  to recover any costs incurred prior to commercial operation,

20  including, but not limited to, costs associated with the

21  siting, design, licensing, or construction of the plant, shall

22  not be subject to challenge unless and only to the extent the

23  commission finds, based on a preponderance of the evidence

24  adduced at a hearing before the commission under s. 120.57

25  that certain costs were imprudently incurred. Proceeding with

26  the construction of the nuclear power plant following an order

27  by the commission approving the need for the nuclear power

28  plant under this act shall not constitute or be evidence of

29  imprudence. Imprudence also shall not include any cost

30  increases due to events beyond the utility's control. Further,

31  a utility's right to recover costs associated with a nuclear


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 1  power plant may not be raised in any other forum or in the

 2  review of proceedings in such other forum. Costs incurred

 3  prior to commercial operation shall be recovered pursuant to

 4  chapter 366.

 5         Section 42.  Section 366.93, Florida Statutes, is

 6  created to read:

 7         366.93  Cost recovery for the siting, design,

 8  licensing, and construction of nuclear power plants.--

 9         (1)  As used in this section, the term:

10         (a)  "Cost" includes, but is not limited to, all

11  capital investments, including rate of return, any applicable

12  taxes, and all expenses, including operation and maintenance

13  expenses, related to or resulting from the siting, licensing,

14  design, construction, or operation of the nuclear power plant.

15         (b)  "Electric utility" or "utility" has the same

16  meaning as that provided in s. 366.8255(1)(a).

17         (c)  "Nuclear power plant" or "plant" is an electrical

18  power plant as defined in s. 403.503(12) which uses nuclear

19  materials for fuel.

20          (d)  "Preconstruction" is that period of time after a

21  site has been selected, through and including the date the

22  utility completes site clearing work. Preconstruction costs

23  shall be afforded deferred accounting treatment and shall

24  accrue a carrying charge equal to the utility's AFUDC rate

25  until recovered in rates.

26         (2)  Within 6 months after the enactment of this act,

27  the commission shall establish, by rule, alternative

28  cost-recovery mechanisms for the recovery of costs incurred in

29  the siting, design, licensing and construction of a nuclear

30  power plant. Such mechanisms shall be designed to promote

31  utility investment in nuclear power plants and allow for the


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 1  recovery in rates all prudently incurred costs, and shall

 2  include, but are not limited to:

 3         (a)  Recovery through the capacity cost recovery clause

 4  of any preconstruction costs.

 5         (b)  Recovery through an incremental increase in the

 6  utility's capacity cost-recovery clause rates of the carrying

 7  costs on the utility's projected construction cost balance

 8  associated with the nuclear power plant. To encourage

 9  investment and provide certainty, for nuclear power plant need

10  petitions submitted on or before December 31, 2010, associated

11  carrying costs shall be equal to the pretax AFUDC in effect

12  upon this act becoming law. For nuclear power plants for which

13  need petitions are submitted after December 31, 2010, the

14  utility's existing pretax AFUDC rate is presumed to be

15  appropriate unless determined otherwise by the commission in

16  the determination of need for the nuclear power plant.

17         (3)  After a petition for determination of need is

18  granted, a utility may petition the commission for cost

19  recovery as permitted by this section and commission rules.

20         (4)  When the nuclear power plant is placed in

21  commercial service, the utility shall be allowed to increase

22  its base rate charges by the projected annual revenue

23  requirements of the nuclear power plant based on the

24  jurisdictional annual revenue requirements of the plant for

25  the first 12 months of operation. The rate of return on

26  capital investments shall be calculated using the utility's

27  rate of return last approved by the commission prior to the

28  commercial in-service date of the nuclear power plant. If any

29  existing generating plant is retired as a result of operation

30  of the nuclear power plant, the commission shall allow for the

31  recovery, through an increase in base rate charges, of the net


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 1  book value of the retired plant over a period not to exceed 5

 2  years.

 3         (5)  The utility shall report to the commission

 4  annually the budgeted and actual costs as compared to the

 5  estimated in-service cost of the nuclear power plant provided

 6  by the utility pursuant to s. 403.519(4) until the commercial

 7  operation of the nuclear power plant. The utility shall

 8  provide such information on an annual basis following the

 9  final order by the commission approving the determination of

10  need for the nuclear power plant, with the understanding that

11  some costs may be higher than estimated and other costs may be

12  lower.

13         (6)  If the utility elects not to complete or is

14  precluded from completing construction of the nuclear power

15  plant, the utility shall be allowed to recover all prudent

16  preconstruction and construction costs incurred following the

17  commission's issuance of a final order granting a

18  determination of need for the nuclear power plant. The utility

19  shall recover such costs through the capacity cost-recovery

20  clause over a period equal to the period during which the

21  costs were incurred or 5 years, whichever is greater. The

22  unrecovered balance during the recovery period shall accrue

23  interest at the utility's weighted average cost of capital as

24  reported in the commission's earnings surveillance reporting

25  requirement for the prior year.

26         Section 43.  Section 403.52, Florida Statutes, is

27  amended to read:

28         403.52  Short title.--Sections 403.52-403.5365 may be

29  cited as the "Florida Electric Transmission Line Siting Act."

30         Section 44.  Section 403.521, Florida Statutes, is

31  amended to read:


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 1         403.521  Legislative intent.--The legislative intent of

 2  this act is to establish a centralized and coordinated

 3  licensing permitting process for the location of electric

 4  transmission line corridors and the construction, operation,

 5  and maintenance of electric transmission lines, which are

 6  critical infrastructure facilities. This necessarily involves

 7  several broad interests of the public addressed through the

 8  subject matter jurisdiction of several agencies. The

 9  Legislature recognizes that electric transmission lines will

10  have an effect upon the reliability of the electric power

11  system, the environment, land use, and the welfare of the

12  population. Recognizing the need to ensure electric power

13  system reliability and integrity, and in order to meet

14  electric electrical energy needs in an orderly and timely

15  fashion, the centralized and coordinated licensing permitting

16  process established by this act is intended to further the

17  legislative goal of ensuring through available and reasonable

18  methods that the location of transmission line corridors and

19  the construction, operation, and maintenance of electric

20  transmission lines produce minimal adverse effects on the

21  environment and public health, safety, and welfare while not

22  unduly conflicting with the goals established by the

23  applicable local comprehensive plan. It is the intent of this

24  act to fully balance the need for transmission lines with the

25  broad interests of the public in order to effect a reasonable

26  balance between the need for the facility as a means of

27  providing reliable, economical, and efficient electric

28  abundant low-cost electrical energy and the impact on the

29  public and the environment resulting from the location of the

30  transmission line corridor and the construction, operation,

31  and maintenance of the transmission lines. The Legislature


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 1  intends that the provisions of chapter 120 apply to this act

 2  and to proceedings under pursuant to it except as otherwise

 3  expressly exempted by other provisions of this act.

 4         Section 45.  Section 403.522, Florida Statutes, is

 5  amended to read:

 6         403.522  Definitions relating to the Florida Electric

 7  Transmission Line Siting Act.--As used in this act:

 8         (1)  "Act" means the Florida Electric Transmission Line

 9  Siting Act.

10         (2)  "Agency," as the context requires, means an

11  official, officer, commission, authority, council, committee,

12  department, division, bureau, board, section, or other unit or

13  entity of government, including a county, municipality, or

14  other regional or local governmental entity.

15         (3)  "Amendment" means a material change in information

16  provided by the applicant to the application for certification

17  made after the initial application filing.

18         (4)  "Applicant" means any electric utility that which

19  applies for certification under pursuant to the provisions of

20  this act.

21         (5)  "Application" means the documents required by the

22  department to be filed to initiate and support a certification

23  review and evaluation, including the initial document filing,

24  amendments, and responses to requests from the department for

25  additional data and information proceeding. An electric

26  utility may file a comprehensive application encompassing all

27  or a part of one or more proposed transmission lines.

28         (6)  "Board" means the Governor and Cabinet sitting as

29  the siting board.

30         (7)  "Certification" means the approval by the board of

31  the license for a corridor proper for certification pursuant


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 1  to subsection (10) and the construction, operation, and

 2  maintenance of transmission lines within the such corridor

 3  with the such changes or conditions as the siting board deems

 4  appropriate. Certification shall be evidenced by a written

 5  order of the board.

 6         (8)  "Commission" means the Florida Public Service

 7  Commission.

 8         (9)  "Completeness" means that the application has

 9  addressed all applicable sections of the prescribed

10  application format and, but does not mean that those sections

11  are sufficient in comprehensiveness of data or in quality of

12  information provided to allow the department to determine

13  whether the application provides the reviewing agencies

14  adequate information to prepare the reports required by s.

15  403.526.

16         (10)  "Corridor" means the proposed area within which a

17  transmission line right-of-way, including maintenance and

18  access roads, is to be located. The width of the corridor

19  proposed for certification by an applicant or other party, at

20  the option of the applicant, may be the width of the

21  transmission line right-of-way, or a wider boundary, not to

22  exceed a width of 1 mile. The area within the corridor in

23  which a right-of-way may be located may be further restricted

24  by a condition of certification. After all property interests

25  required for the transmission line right-of-way and

26  maintenance and access roads have been acquired by the

27  applicant, the boundaries of the area certified shall narrow

28  to only that land within the boundaries of the transmission

29  line right-of-way. The corridors proper for certification

30  shall be those addressed in the application, in amendments to

31  the application filed under pursuant to s. 403.5275, and in


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 1  notices of acceptance of proposed alternate corridors filed by

 2  an applicant and the department pursuant to s. 403.5271 for

 3  which the required sufficient information for the preparation

 4  of agency supplemental reports was filed.

 5         (11)  "Department" means the Department of

 6  Environmental Protection.

 7         (12)  "Electric utility" means cities and towns,

 8  counties, public utility districts, regulated electric

 9  companies, electric cooperatives, regional transmission

10  organizations, operators of independent transmission systems,

11  or other transmission organizations approved by the Federal

12  Energy Regulatory Commission or the commission for the

13  operation of transmission facilities, and joint operating

14  agencies, or combinations thereof, engaged in, or authorized

15  to engage in, the business of generating, transmitting, or

16  distributing electric energy.

17         (13)  "License" means a franchise, permit,

18  certification, registration, charter, comprehensive plan

19  amendment, development order, or permit as defined in chapters

20  163 and 380, or similar form of authorization required by law,

21  but it does not include a license required primarily for

22  revenue purposes when issuance of the license is merely a

23  ministerial act.

24         (14)  "Licensee" means an applicant that has obtained a

25  certification order for the subject project.

26         (15)(14)  "Local government" means a municipality or

27  county in the jurisdiction of which the project is proposed to

28  be located.

29         (16)  "Maintenance and access roads" mean roads

30  constructed within the transmission line right-of-way. Nothing

31  in this act prohibits an applicant from constructing a road to


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 1  support construction, operation, or maintenance of the

 2  transmission line that lies outside the transmission line

 3  right-of-way.

 4         (17)(15)  "Modification" means any change in the

 5  certification order after issuance, including a change in the

 6  conditions of certification.

 7         (18)(16)  "Nonprocedural requirements of agencies"

 8  means any agency's regulatory requirements established by

 9  statute, rule, ordinance, or comprehensive plan, excluding any

10  provisions prescribing forms, fees, procedures, or time limits

11  for the review or processing of information submitted to

12  demonstrate compliance with such regulatory requirements.

13         (19)(17)  "Person" means an individual, partnership,

14  joint venture, private or public corporation, association,

15  firm, public service company, political subdivision, municipal

16  corporation, government agency, public utility district, or

17  any other entity, public or private, however organized.

18         (20)(18)  "Preliminary statement of issues" means a

19  listing and explanation of those issues within the agency's

20  jurisdiction which are of major concern to the agency in

21  relation to the proposed electric electrical transmission line

22  corridor.

23         (21)(19)  "Regional planning council" means a regional

24  planning council as defined in s. 186.503(4) in the

25  jurisdiction of which the project is proposed to be located.

26         (20)  "Sufficiency" means that the application is not

27  only complete but that all sections are adequate in the

28  comprehensiveness of data and in the quality of information

29  provided to allow the department to determine whether the

30  application provides the reviewing agencies adequate

31  information to prepare the reports authorized by s. 403.526.


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 1         (22)(21)  "Transmission line" or "electric transmission

 2  line" means structures, maintenance and access roads, and all

 3  other facilities that need to be constructed, operated, or

 4  maintained for the purpose of conveying electric power any

 5  electrical transmission line extending from, but not

 6  including, an existing or proposed substation or power plant

 7  to, but not including, an existing or proposed transmission

 8  network or rights-of-way or substation to which the applicant

 9  intends to connect which defines the end of the proposed

10  project and which is designed to operate at 230 kilovolts or

11  more. The starting point and ending point of a transmission

12  line must be specifically defined by the applicant and must be

13  verified by the commission in its determination of need. A

14  transmission line includes structures and maintenance and

15  access roads that need to be constructed for the project to

16  become operational. The transmission line may include, at the

17  applicant's option, any proposed terminal or intermediate

18  substations or substation expansions necessary to serve the

19  transmission line.

20         (23)(22)  "Transmission line right-of-way" means land

21  necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of

22  a transmission line. The typical width of the right-of-way

23  shall be identified in the application. The right-of-way shall

24  be located within the certified corridor and shall be

25  identified by the applicant subsequent to certification in

26  documents filed with the department before prior to

27  construction.

28         (24)(23)  "Water management district" means a water

29  management district created pursuant to chapter 373 in the

30  jurisdiction of which the project is proposed to be located.

31  


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 1         Section 46.  Section 403.523, Florida Statutes, is

 2  amended to read:

 3         403.523  Department of Environmental Protection; powers

 4  and duties.--The department has shall have the following

 5  powers and duties:

 6         (1)  To adopt procedural rules pursuant to ss.

 7  120.536(1) and 120.54 to administer implement the provisions

 8  of this act and to adopt or amend rules to implement the

 9  provisions of subsection (10).

10         (2)  To prescribe the form and content of the public

11  notices and the form, content, and necessary supporting

12  documentation, and any required studies, for certification

13  applications. All such data and studies shall be related to

14  the jurisdiction of the agencies relevant to the application.

15         (3)  To receive applications for transmission line and

16  corridor certifications and initially determine the

17  completeness and sufficiency thereof.

18         (4)  To make or contract for studies of certification

19  applications. All such studies shall be related to the

20  jurisdiction of the agencies relevant to the application. For

21  studies in areas outside the jurisdiction of the department

22  and in the jurisdiction of another agency, the department may

23  initiate such studies, but only with the consent of the such

24  agency.

25         (5)  To administer the processing of applications for

26  certification and ensure that the applications, including

27  postcertification reviews, are processed on an expeditious and

28  priority basis as expeditiously as possible.

29         (6)  To collect and process require such fees as

30  allowed by this act.

31  


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 1         (7)  To prepare a report and project written analysis

 2  as required by s. 403.526.

 3         (8)  To prescribe the means for monitoring the effects

 4  arising from the location of the transmission line corridor

 5  and the construction, operation, and maintenance of the

 6  transmission lines to assure continued compliance with the

 7  terms of the certification.

 8         (9)  To make a determination of acceptability of any

 9  alternate corridor proposed for consideration under pursuant

10  to s. 403.5271.

11         (10)  To set requirements that reasonably protect the

12  public health and welfare from the electric and magnetic

13  fields of transmission lines for which an application is filed

14  under after the effective date of this act.

15         (11)  To present rebuttal evidence on any issue

16  properly raised at the certification hearing.

17         (12)  To issue final orders after receipt of the

18  administrative law judge's order relinquishing jurisdiction

19  pursuant to s. 403.527(6).

20         (13)  To act as clerk for the siting board.

21         (14)  To administer and manage the terms and conditions

22  of the certification order and supporting documents and

23  records for the life of the facility.

24         (15)  To issue emergency orders on behalf of the board

25  for facilities licensed under this act.

26         Section 47.  Section 403.524, Florida Statutes, is

27  amended to read:

28         403.524  Applicability; and certification;

29  exemptions.--

30  

31  


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 1         (1)  The provisions of This act applies apply to each

 2  transmission line, except a transmission line certified under

 3  pursuant to the Florida Electrical Power Plant Siting Act.

 4         (2)  Except as provided in subsection (1), no

 5  construction of a any transmission line may not be undertaken

 6  without first obtaining certification under this act, but the

 7  provisions of this act does do not apply to:

 8         (a)  Transmission lines for which development approval

 9  has been obtained under pursuant to chapter 380.

10         (b)  Transmission lines that which have been exempted

11  by a binding letter of interpretation issued under s.

12  380.06(4), or in which the Department of Community Affairs or

13  its predecessor agency has determined the utility to have

14  vested development rights within the meaning of s. 380.05(18)

15  or s. 380.06(20).

16         (c)  Transmission line development in which all

17  construction is limited to established rights-of-way.

18  Established rights-of-way include such rights-of-way

19  established at any time for roads, highways, railroads, gas,

20  water, oil, electricity, or sewage and any other public

21  purpose rights-of-way. If an established transmission line

22  right-of-way is used to qualify for this exemption, the

23  transmission line right-of-way must have been established at

24  least 5 years before notice of the start of construction under

25  subsection (4) of the proposed transmission line. If an

26  established transmission line right-of-way is relocated to

27  accommodate a public project, the date the original

28  transmission line right-of-way was established applies to the

29  relocated transmission line right-of-way for purposes of this

30  exemption. Except for transmission line rights-of-way,

31  established rights-of-way include rights-of-way created before


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 1  or after October 1, 1983. For transmission line rights-of-way,

 2  established rights-of-way include rights-of-way created before

 3  October 1, 1983.

 4         (d)  Unless the applicant has applied for certification

 5  under this act, transmission lines that which are less than 15

 6  miles in length or are located in a single which do not cross

 7  a county within the state line, unless the applicant has

 8  elected to apply for certification under the act.

 9         (3)  The exemption of a transmission line under this

10  act does not constitute an exemption for the transmission line

11  from other applicable permitting processes under other

12  provisions of law or local government ordinances.

13         (4)  An electric A utility shall notify the department

14  in writing, before prior to the start of construction, of its

15  intent to construct a transmission line exempted under

16  pursuant to this section. The Such notice is shall be only for

17  information purposes, and no action by the department is not

18  shall be required pursuant to the such notice. This notice may

19  be included in any submittal filed with the department before

20  the start of construction demonstrating that a new

21  transmission line complies with the applicable electric and

22  magnetic field standards.

23         Section 48.  Section 403.525, Florida Statutes, is

24  amended to read:

25         403.525  Appointment of Administrative law judge;

26  appointment; powers and duties.--

27         (1)(a)  Within 7 days after receipt of an application,

28  whether complete or not, the department shall request the

29  Division of Administrative Hearings to designate an

30  administrative law judge to conduct the hearings required by

31  this act.


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 1         (b)  The division director shall designate an

 2  administrative law judge to conduct the hearings required by

 3  this act within 7 days after receipt of the request from the

 4  department. Whenever practicable, the division director shall

 5  assign an administrative law judge who has had prior

 6  experience or training in this type of certification

 7  proceeding.

 8         (c)  Upon being advised that an administrative law

 9  judge has been designated, the department shall immediately

10  file a copy of the application and all supporting documents

11  with the administrative law judge, who shall docket the

12  application.

13         (2)  The administrative law judge has all powers and

14  duties granted to administrative law judges under chapter 120

15  and by the laws and rules of the department.

16         Section 49.  Section 403.5251, Florida Statutes, is

17  amended to read:

18         403.5251  Distribution of Application; schedules.--

19         (1)(a)  The formal date of the filing of the

20  application for certification and commencement of the review

21  process for certification is the date on which the applicant

22  submits:

23         1.  Copies of the application for certification in a

24  quantity and format, electronic or otherwise as prescribed by

25  rule, to the department and other agencies identified in s.

26  403.526(2); and

27         2.  The application fee as specified under s. 403.5365

28  to the department.

29  

30  The department shall provide to the applicant and the Division

31  of Administrative Hearings the names and addresses of any


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 1  additional agencies or persons entitled to notice and copies

 2  of the application and amendments, if any, within 7 days after

 3  receiving the application for certification and the

 4  application fees.

 5         (b)  In the application, the starting point and ending

 6  point of a transmission line must be specifically defined by

 7  the applicant. Within 7 days after the filing of an

 8  application, the department shall provide the applicant and

 9  the Division of Administrative Hearings the names and

10  addresses of those affected or other agencies entitled to

11  notice and copies of the application and any amendments.

12         (2)  Within 15 7 days after the formal date of the

13  application filing completeness has been determined, the

14  department shall prepare a proposed schedule of dates for

15  determination of completeness, submission of statements of

16  issues, determination of sufficiency, and submittal of final

17  reports, from affected and other agencies and other

18  significant dates to be followed during the certification

19  process, including dates for filing notices of appearances to

20  be a party under s. 403.527(2) pursuant to s. 403.527(4). This

21  schedule shall be provided by the department to the applicant,

22  the administrative law judge, and the agencies identified

23  under pursuant to subsection (1). Within 7 days after the

24  filing of this proposed schedule, the administrative law judge

25  shall issue an order establishing a schedule for the matters

26  addressed in the department's proposed schedule and other

27  appropriate matters, if any.

28         (3)  Within 7 days after completeness has been

29  determined, the applicant shall distribute copies of the

30  application to all agencies identified by the department

31  pursuant to subsection (1). Copies of changes and amendments


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 1  to the application shall be timely distributed by the

 2  applicant to all agencies and parties who have received a copy

 3  of the application.

 4         (4)  Notice of the filing of the application shall be

 5  made in accordance with the requirements of s. 403.5363.

 6         Section 50.  Section 403.5252, Florida Statutes, is

 7  amended to read:

 8         403.5252  Determination of completeness.--

 9         (1)(a)  Within 30 days after distribution of an

10  application, the affected agencies shall file a statement with

11  the department containing the recommendations of each agency

12  concerning the completeness of the application for

13  certification.

14         (b)  Within 7 15 days after receipt of the completeness

15  statements of each agency an application, the department shall

16  file a statement with the Division of Administrative Hearings,

17  and with the applicant, and with all parties declaring its

18  position with regard to the completeness, not the sufficiency,

19  of the application. The statement of the department shall be

20  based upon its consultation with the affected agencies.

21         (2)(1)  If the department declares the application to

22  be incomplete, the applicant, within 14 15 days after the

23  filing of the statement by the department, shall file with the

24  Division of Administrative Hearings, with all parties, and

25  with the department a statement:

26         (a)  A withdrawal of Agreeing with the statement of the

27  department and withdrawing the application;

28         (b)  Additional information necessary to make the

29  application complete. After the department first determines

30  the application to be incomplete, the time schedules under

31  this act are not tolled if the applicant makes the application


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 1  complete within the 14-day period. A subsequent finding by the

 2  department that the application remains incomplete tolls the

 3  time schedules under this act until the application is

 4  determined complete; Agreeing with the statement of the

 5  department and agreeing to amend the application without

 6  withdrawing it. The time schedules referencing a complete

 7  application under this act shall not commence until the

 8  application is determined complete; or

 9         (c)  A statement contesting the department's

10  determination of incompleteness; or statement of the

11  department.

12         (d)  A statement agreeing with the department and

13  requesting additional time to provide the information

14  necessary to make the application complete. If the applicant

15  exercises this option, the time schedules under this act are

16  tolled until the application is determined complete.

17         (3)(a)(2)  If the applicant contests the determination

18  by the department that an application is incomplete, the

19  administrative law judge shall schedule a hearing on the

20  statement of completeness. The hearing shall be held as

21  expeditiously as possible, but not later than 21 30 days after

22  the filing of the statement by the department. The

23  administrative law judge shall render a decision within 7 10

24  days after the hearing.

25         (b)  Parties to a hearing on the issue of completeness

26  shall include the applicant, the department, and any agency

27  that has jurisdiction over the matter in dispute. Any

28  substantially affected person who wishes to become a party to

29  the hearing on the issue of completeness must file a motion no

30  later than 10 days before the date of the hearing.

31  


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 1         (c)(a)  If the administrative law judge determines that

 2  the application was not complete as filed, the applicant shall

 3  withdraw the application or make such additional submittals as

 4  necessary to complete it. The time schedules referencing a

 5  complete application under this act do shall not commence

 6  until the application is determined complete.

 7         (d)(b)  If the administrative law judge determines that

 8  the application was complete at the time it was declared

 9  incomplete filed, the time schedules referencing a complete

10  application under this act shall commence upon such

11  determination.

12         (4)  If the applicant provides additional information

13  to address the issues identified in the determination of

14  incompleteness, each affected agency may submit to the

15  department, no later than 14 days after the applicant files

16  the additional information, a recommendation on whether the

17  agency believes the application is complete. Within 21 days

18  after receipt of the additional information from the applicant

19  submitted under paragraphs (2)(b), (2)(d), or (3)(c) and

20  considering the recommendations of the affected agencies, the

21  department shall determine whether the additional information

22  supplied by an applicant makes the application complete. If

23  the department finds that the application is still incomplete,

24  the applicant may exercise any of the options specified in

25  subsection (2) as often as is necessary to resolve the

26  dispute.

27         Section 51.  Section 403.526, Florida Statutes, is

28  amended to read:

29         403.526  Preliminary statements of issues, reports, and

30  project analyses; and studies.--

31  


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 1         (1)  Each affected agency that is required to file a

 2  report which received an application in accordance with this

 3  section s. 403.5251(3) shall submit a preliminary statement of

 4  issues to the department and all parties the applicant no

 5  later than 50 60 days after the filing distribution of the

 6  complete application. Such statements of issues shall be made

 7  available to each local government for use as information for

 8  public meetings held under pursuant to s. 403.5272. The

 9  failure to raise an issue in this preliminary statement of

10  issues does shall not preclude the issue from being raised in

11  the agency's report.

12         (2)(a)  The following affected agencies shall prepare

13  reports as provided below and shall submit them to the

14  department and the applicant no later than within 90 days

15  after the filing distribution of the complete application:

16         1.  The department shall prepare a report as to the

17  impact of each proposed transmission line or corridor as it

18  relates to matters within its jurisdiction.

19         2.  Each water management district in the jurisdiction

20  of which a proposed transmission line or corridor is to be

21  located shall prepare a report as to the impact on water

22  resources and other matters within its jurisdiction.

23         3.  The Department of Community Affairs shall prepare a

24  report containing recommendations which address the impact

25  upon the public of the proposed transmission line or corridor,

26  based on the degree to which the proposed transmission line or

27  corridor is consistent with the applicable portions of the

28  state comprehensive plan, emergency management, and other

29  matters within its jurisdiction. The Department of Community

30  Affairs may also comment on the consistency of the proposed

31  transmission line or corridor with applicable strategic


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 1  regional policy plans or local comprehensive plans and land

 2  development regulations.

 3         4.  The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shall

 4  prepare a report as to the impact of each proposed

 5  transmission line or corridor on fish and wildlife resources

 6  and other matters within its jurisdiction.

 7         5.  Each local government shall prepare a report as to

 8  the impact of each proposed transmission line or corridor on

 9  matters within its jurisdiction, including the consistency of

10  the proposed transmission line or corridor with all applicable

11  local ordinances, regulations, standards, or criteria that

12  apply to the proposed transmission line or corridor, including

13  local comprehensive plans, zoning regulations, land

14  development regulations, and any applicable local

15  environmental regulations adopted pursuant to s. 403.182 or by

16  other means. A No change by the responsible local government

17  or local agency in local comprehensive plans, zoning

18  ordinances, or other regulations made after the date required

19  for the filing of the local government's report required by

20  this section is not shall be applicable to the certification

21  of the proposed transmission line or corridor unless the

22  certification is denied or the application is withdrawn.

23         6.  Each regional planning council shall present a

24  report containing recommendations that address the impact upon

25  the public of the proposed transmission line or corridor based

26  on the degree to which the transmission line or corridor is

27  consistent with the applicable provisions of the strategic

28  regional policy plan adopted under pursuant to chapter 186 and

29  other impacts of each proposed transmission line or corridor

30  on matters within its jurisdiction.

31  


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 1         7.  The Department of Transportation shall prepare a

 2  report as to the impact of the proposed transmission line or

 3  corridor on state roads, railroads, airports, aeronautics,

 4  seaports, and other matters within its jurisdiction.

 5         8.  The commission shall prepare a report containing

 6  its determination under s. 403.537 and the report may include

 7  the comments from the commission with respect to any other

 8  subject within its jurisdiction.

 9         9.  Any other agency, if requested by the department,

10  shall also perform studies or prepare reports as to subjects

11  within the jurisdiction of the agency which may potentially be

12  affected by the proposed transmission line.

13         (b)  Each report must shall contain:

14         1.  A notice of any nonprocedural requirements not

15  specifically listed in the application from which a variance,

16  exemption, exception, or other relief is necessary in order

17  for the proposed corridor to be certified. Failure to include

18  the notice shall be treated as a waiver from the nonprocedural

19  requirements of that agency.

20         2.  A recommendation for approval or denial of the

21  application.

22         3.  The information on variances required by s.

23  403.531(2) and proposed conditions of certification on matters

24  within the jurisdiction of each agency. For each condition

25  proposed by an agency, the agency shall list the specific

26  statute, rule, or ordinance, as applicable, which authorizes

27  the proposed condition.

28         (c)  Each reviewing agency shall initiate the

29  activities required by this section no later than 15 days

30  after the complete application is filed distributed. Each

31  


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 1  agency shall keep the applicant and the department informed as

 2  to the progress of its studies and any issues raised thereby.

 3         (d)  Receipt of an affirmative determination of need

 4  from the commission by the submittal deadline for agency

 5  reports under paragraph (a) is a condition precedent to

 6  further processing of the application.

 7         (3)  The department shall prepare a project written

 8  analysis containing which contains a compilation of agency

 9  reports and summaries of the material contained therein which

10  shall be filed with the administrative law judge and served on

11  all parties no later than 115 135 days after the application

12  is filed complete application has been distributed to the

13  affected agencies, and which shall include:

14         (a)  A statement indicating whether the proposed

15  electric transmission line will be in compliance with the

16  rules of the department and affected agencies.

17         (b)(a)  The studies and reports required by this

18  section and s. 403.537.

19         (c)(b)  Comments received from any other agency or

20  person.

21         (d)(c)  The recommendation of the department as to the

22  disposition of the application, of variances, exemptions,

23  exceptions, or other relief identified by any party, and of

24  any proposed conditions of certification which the department

25  believes should be imposed.

26         (4)  The failure of any agency to submit a preliminary

27  statement of issues or a report, or to submit its preliminary

28  statement of issues or report within the allowed time, is

29  shall not be grounds for the alteration of any time limitation

30  in this act under pursuant to s. 403.528. Neither The failure

31  to submit a preliminary statement of issues or a report, or


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 1  nor the inadequacy of the preliminary statement of issues or

 2  report, are not shall be grounds to deny or condition

 3  certification.

 4         Section 52.  Section 403.527, Florida Statutes, is

 5  amended to read:

 6         (Substantial rewording of section. See

 7         s. 403.527, F.S., for present text.)

 8         403.527  Certification hearing, parties,

 9  participants.--

10         (1)(a)  No later than 145 days after the application is

11  filed, the administrative law judge shall conduct a

12  certification hearing pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57 at a

13  central location in proximity to the proposed transmission

14  line or corridor.

15         (b)  Notice of the certification hearing and other

16  public hearings provided for in this section and notice of the

17  deadline for filing of notice of intent to be a party shall be

18  made in accordance with the requirements of s. 403.5363.

19         (2)(a)  Parties to the proceeding shall be:

20         1.  The applicant.

21         2.  The department.

22         3.  The commission.

23         4.  The Department of Community Affairs.

24         5.  The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

25         6.  The Department of Transportation.

26         7.  Each water management district in the jurisdiction

27  of which the proposed transmission line or corridor is to be

28  located.

29         8.  The local government.

30         9.  The regional planning council.

31  


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 1         (b)  Any party listed in paragraph (a), other than the

 2  department or the applicant, may waive its right to

 3  participate in these proceedings. If any listed party fails to

 4  file a notice of its intent to be a party on or before the

 5  30th day before the certification hearing, the party is deemed

 6  to have waived its right to be a party unless its

 7  participation would not prejudice the rights of any party to

 8  the proceeding.

 9         (c)  Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 120 to

10  the contrary, upon the filing with the administrative law

11  judge of a notice of intent to be a party by an agency,

12  corporation, or association described in subparagraphs 1. and

13  2. or a petition for intervention by a person described in

14  subparagraph 3. no later than 30 days before the date set for

15  the certification hearing, the following shall also be parties

16  to the proceeding:

17         1.  Any agency not listed in paragraph (a) as to

18  matters within its jurisdiction.

19         2.  Any domestic nonprofit corporation or association

20  formed, in whole or in part, to promote conservation of

21  natural beauty; to protect the environment, personal health,

22  or other biological values; to preserve historical sites; to

23  promote consumer interests; to represent labor, commercial, or

24  industrial groups; or to promote comprehensive planning or

25  orderly development of the area in which the proposed

26  transmission line or corridor is to be located.

27         3.  Any person whose substantial interests are affected

28  and being determined by the proceeding.

29         (d)  Any agency whose properties or works may be

30  affected shall be made a party upon the request of the agency

31  or any party to this proceeding.


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 1         (3)(a)  The order of presentation at the certification

 2  hearing, unless otherwise changed by the administrative law

 3  judge to ensure the orderly presentation of witnesses and

 4  evidence, shall be:

 5         1.  The applicant.

 6         2.  The department.

 7         3.  State agencies.

 8         4.  Regional agencies, including regional planning

 9  councils and water management districts.

10         5.  Local governments.

11         6.  Other parties.

12         (b)  When appropriate, any person may be given an

13  opportunity to present oral or written communications to the

14  administrative law judge. If the administrative law judge

15  proposes to consider such communications, all parties shall be

16  given an opportunity to cross-examine, challenge, or rebut the

17  communications.

18         (4)  One public hearing where members of the public who

19  are not parties to the certification hearing may testify shall

20  be held within the boundaries of each county, at the option of

21  any local government.

22         (a)  A local government shall notify the administrative

23  law judge and all parties not later than 21 days after the

24  application has been determined complete as to whether the

25  local government wishes to have a public hearing. If a filing

26  for an alternate corridor is accepted for consideration under

27  s. 403.5271(1) by the department and the applicant, any newly

28  affected local government must notify the administrative law

29  judge and all parties not later than 10 days after the data

30  concerning the alternate corridor has been determined complete

31  as to whether the local government wishes to have such a


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 1  public hearing. The local government is responsible for

 2  providing the location of the public hearing if held

 3  separately from the certification hearing.

 4         (b)  Within 5 days after notification, the

 5  administrative law judge shall determine the date of the

 6  public hearing, which shall be held before or during the

 7  certification hearing. If two or more local governments within

 8  one county request a public hearing, the hearing shall be

 9  consolidated so that only one public hearing is held in any

10  county. The location of a consolidated hearing shall be

11  determined by the administrative law judge.

12         (c)  If a local government does not request a public

13  hearing within 21 days after the application has been

14  determined complete, persons residing within the jurisdiction

15  of the local government may testify during that portion of the

16  certification hearing at which public testimony is heard.

17         (5)  At the conclusion of the certification hearing,

18  the administrative law judge shall, after consideration of all

19  evidence of record, issue a recommended order disposing of the

20  application no later than 45 days after the transcript of the

21  certification hearing and the public hearings is filed with

22  the Division of Administrative Hearings.

23         (6)(a)  No later than 25 days before the certification

24  hearing, the department or the applicant may request that the

25  administrative law judge cancel the certification hearing and

26  relinquish jurisdiction to the department if all parties to

27  the proceeding stipulate that there are no disputed issues of

28  material fact to be raised at the certification hearing.

29         (b)  The administrative law judge shall issue an order

30  granting or denying the request within 5 days.

31  


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 1         (c)  If the administrative law judge grants the

 2  request, the department and the applicant shall publish

 3  notices of the cancellation of the certification hearing in

 4  accordance with s. 403.5363.

 5         (d)1.  If the administrative law judge grants the

 6  request, the department shall prepare and issue a final order

 7  in accordance with s. 403.529(1)(a).

 8         2.  Parties may submit proposed final orders to the

 9  department no later than 10 days after the administrative law

10  judge issues an order relinquishing jurisdiction.

11         (7)  The applicant shall pay those expenses and costs

12  associated with the conduct of the hearing and the recording

13  and transcription of the proceedings.

14         Section 53.  Section 403.5271, Florida Statutes, is

15  amended to read:

16         403.5271  Alternate corridors.--

17         (1)  No later than 45 50 days before prior to the

18  originally scheduled certification hearing, any party may

19  propose alternate transmission line corridor routes for

20  consideration under pursuant to the provisions of this act.

21         (a)  A notice of a any such proposed alternate corridor

22  must shall be filed with the administrative law judge, all

23  parties, and any local governments in whose jurisdiction the

24  alternate corridor is proposed. The Such filing must shall

25  include the most recent United States Geological Survey

26  1:24,000 quadrangle maps specifically delineating the corridor

27  boundaries, a description of the proposed corridor, and a

28  statement of the reasons the proposed alternate corridor

29  should be certified.

30         (b)1.  Within 7 days after receipt of the such notice,

31  the applicant and the department shall file with the


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 1  administrative law judge and all parties a notice of

 2  acceptance or rejection of a proposed alternate corridor for

 3  consideration. If the alternate corridor is rejected either by

 4  the applicant or the department, the certification hearing and

 5  the public hearings shall be held as scheduled. If both the

 6  applicant and the department accept a proposed alternate

 7  corridor for consideration, the certification hearing and the

 8  public hearings shall be rescheduled, if necessary.

 9         2.  If rescheduled, the certification hearing shall be

10  held no more than 90 days after the previously scheduled

11  certification hearing, unless the data submitted under

12  paragraph (d) is determined to be incomplete, in which case

13  the rescheduled certification hearing shall be held no more

14  than 105 days after the previously scheduled certification

15  hearing. If additional time is needed due to the alternate

16  corridor crossing a local government jurisdiction that was not

17  previously affected, in which case the remainder of the

18  schedule listed below shall be appropriately adjusted by the

19  administrative law judge to allow that local government to

20  prepare a report pursuant to s. 403.526(2)(a)5.

21         (c)  Notice of the filing of the alternate corridor, of

22  the revised time schedules, of the deadline for newly affected

23  persons and agencies to file notice of intent to become a

24  party, of the rescheduled hearing date, and of the proceedings

25  pursuant to s. 403.527(1)(b) and (c) shall be published in

26  accordance with s. 403.5363.

27         (d)  Within 21 25 days after acceptance of an alternate

28  corridor by the department and the applicant, the party

29  proposing an alternate corridor shall have the burden of

30  providing all additional data to the agencies listed in s.

31  403.526(2) and newly affected agencies s. 403.526 necessary


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 1  for the preparation of a supplementary report on the proposed

 2  alternate corridor.

 3         (e)1.  Reviewing agencies shall advise the department

 4  of any issues concerning completeness no later than 15 days

 5  after the submittal of the data required by paragraph (d).

 6  Within 22 days after receipt of the data, the department shall

 7  issue a determination of completeness.

 8         2.  If the department determines that the data required

 9  by paragraph (d) is not complete, the party proposing the

10  alternate corridor must file such additional data to correct

11  the incompleteness. This additional data must be submitted

12  within 14 days after the determination by the department.

13         3.  If the department, within 14 days after receiving

14  the additional data, determines that the data remains

15  incomplete, the incompleteness of the data is deemed a

16  withdrawal of the proposed alternate corridor. The department

17  may make its determination based on recommendations made by

18  other affected agencies. If the department determines within

19  15 days that this additional data is insufficient, the party

20  proposing the alternate corridor shall file such additional

21  data that corrects the insufficiency within 15 days after the

22  filing of the department's determination. If such additional

23  data is determined insufficient, such insufficiency of data

24  shall be deemed a withdrawal of the proposed alternate

25  corridor. The party proposing an alternate corridor shall have

26  the burden of proof on the certifiability of the alternate

27  corridor at the certification hearing pursuant to s.

28  403.529(4). Nothing in this act shall be construed as

29  requiring the applicant or agencies not proposing the

30  alternate corridor to submit data in support of such alternate

31  corridor.


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 1         (f)  The agencies listed in s. 403.526(2) and any newly

 2  affected agencies s. 403.526 shall file supplementary reports

 3  with the applicant and the department which address addressing

 4  the proposed alternate corridors no later than 24 60 days

 5  after the additional data is submitted pursuant to paragraph

 6  (d) or paragraph (e) is determined to be complete.

 7         (g)  The agency reports on alternate corridors must

 8  include all information required by s. 403.526(2) agencies

 9  shall submit supplementary notice pursuant to s. 403.531(2) at

10  the time of filing of their supplemental report.

11         (h)  The department shall file with the administrative

12  law judge, the applicant, and all parties a project prepare a

13  written analysis consistent with s. 403.526(3) no more than 16

14  at least 29 days after submittal of agency reports on prior to

15  the rescheduled certification hearing addressing the proposed

16  alternate corridor.

17         (2)  If the original certification hearing date is

18  rescheduled, the rescheduling shall not provide the

19  opportunity for parties to file additional alternate corridors

20  to the applicant's proposed corridor or any accepted alternate

21  corridor. However, an amendment to the application which

22  changes the alignment of the applicant's proposed corridor

23  shall require rescheduling of the certification hearing, if

24  necessary, so as to allow time for a party to file alternate

25  corridors to the realigned proposed corridor for which the

26  application has been amended. Any such alternate corridor

27  proposal shall have the same starting and ending points as the

28  realigned portion of the corridor proposed by the applicant's

29  amendment, provided that the administrative law judge for good

30  cause shown may authorize another starting or ending point in

31  the area of the applicant's amended corridor.


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 1         (3)(a)  Notwithstanding the rejection of a proposed

 2  alternate corridor by the applicant or the department, any

 3  party may present evidence at the certification hearing to

 4  show that a corridor proper for certification does not satisfy

 5  the criteria listed in s. 403.529 or that a rejected alternate

 6  corridor would meet the criteria set forth in s. 403.529. No

 7  Evidence may not shall be admitted at the certification

 8  hearing on any alternate corridor, unless the alternate

 9  corridor was proposed by the filing of a notice at least 45 50

10  days before prior to the originally scheduled certification

11  hearing pursuant to this section. Rejected alternate corridors

12  shall be considered by the board as provided in s. 403.529(4)

13  and (5).

14         (b)  The party proposing an alternate corridor has the

15  burden to prove that the alternate corridor can be certified

16  at the certification hearing. This act does not require an

17  applicant or agency that is not proposing the alternate

18  corridor to submit data in support of the alternate corridor.

19         (4)  If an alternate corridor is accepted by the

20  applicant and the department pursuant to a notice of

21  acceptance as provided in this subsection and the such

22  corridor is ultimately determined to be the corridor that

23  would meet the criteria set forth in s. 403.529(4) and (5),

24  the board shall certify that corridor.

25         Section 54.  Section 403.5272, Florida Statutes, is

26  amended to read:

27         403.5272  Local governments; Informational public

28  meetings.--

29         (1)  A local government whose jurisdiction is to be

30  crossed by a proposed corridor governments may hold one

31  informational public meeting meetings in addition to the


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 1  hearings specifically authorized by this act on any matter

 2  associated with the transmission line proceeding. The Such

 3  informational public meeting may be conducted by the local

 4  government or the regional planning council and shall meetings

 5  should be held no later than 55 80 days after the application

 6  is filed. The purpose of an informational public meeting is

 7  for the local government or regional planning council to

 8  further inform the general public about the transmission line

 9  proposed, obtain comments from the public, and formulate its

10  recommendation with respect to the proposed transmission line.

11         (2)  Informational public meetings shall be held solely

12  at the option of each local government or regional planning

13  council. It is the legislative intent that local governments

14  or regional planning councils attempt to hold such public

15  meetings. Parties to the proceedings under this act shall be

16  encouraged to attend; however, a no party other than the

17  applicant and the department is not shall be required to

18  attend the such informational public meetings hearings.

19         (3)  A local government or regional planning council

20  that intends to conduct an informational public meeting must

21  provide notice of the meeting, with notice sent to all parties

22  listed in s. 403.527(2)(a), not less than 5 days before the

23  meeting.

24         (4)(3)  The failure to hold an informational public

25  meeting or the procedure used for the informational public

26  meeting are shall not be grounds for the alteration of any

27  time limitation in this act under pursuant to s. 403.528 or

28  grounds to deny or condition certification.

29         Section 55.  Section 403.5275, Florida Statutes, is

30  amended to read:

31         403.5275  Amendment to the application.--


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 1         (1)  Any amendment made to the application before

 2  certification shall be sent by the applicant to the

 3  administrative law judge and to all parties to the proceeding.

 4         (2)  Any amendment to the application made before prior

 5  to certification shall be disposed of as part of the original

 6  certification proceeding. Amendment of the application may be

 7  considered "good cause" for alteration of time limits pursuant

 8  to s. 403.528.

 9         Section 56.  Section 403.528, Florida Statutes, is

10  amended to read:

11         403.528  Alteration of time limits.--

12         (1)  Any time limitation in this act may be altered by

13  the administrative law judge upon stipulation between the

14  department and the applicant unless objected to by any party

15  within 5 days after notice or for good cause shown by any

16  party.

17         (2)  A comprehensive application encompassing more than

18  one proposed transmission line may be good cause for

19  alternation of time limits.

20         Section 57.  Section 403.529, Florida Statutes, is

21  amended to read:

22         403.529  Final disposition of application.--

23         (1)(a)  If the administrative law judge has granted a

24  request to cancel the certification hearing and has

25  relinquished jurisdiction to the department under s.

26  403.527(6), within 40 days thereafter, the secretary of the

27  department shall act upon the application by written order in

28  accordance with the terms of this act and state the reasons

29  for issuance or denial.

30         (b)  If the administrative law judge does not grant a

31  request to cancel the certification hearing under the


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 1  provisions of s. 403.527(6) within 60 30 days after receipt of

 2  the administrative law judge's recommended order, the board

 3  shall act upon the application by written order, approving in

 4  whole, approving with such conditions as the board deems

 5  appropriate, or denying the certification and stating the

 6  reasons for issuance or denial.

 7         (2)  The issues that may be raised in any hearing

 8  before the board shall be limited to matters raised in the

 9  certification proceeding before the administrative law judge

10  or raised in the recommended order of the administrative law

11  judge. All parties, or their representatives, or persons who

12  appear before the board shall be subject to the provisions of

13  s. 120.66.

14         (3)  If certification is denied, the board, or

15  secretary if applicable, shall set forth in writing the action

16  the applicant would have to take to secure the approval of the

17  application by the board.

18         (4)  In determining whether an application should be

19  approved in whole, approved with modifications or conditions,

20  or denied, the board, or secretary when applicable, shall

21  consider whether, and the extent to which, the location of the

22  transmission line corridor and the construction, operation,

23  and maintenance of the transmission line will:

24         (a)  Ensure electric power system reliability and

25  integrity;

26         (b)  Meet the electrical energy needs of the state in

27  an orderly, economical, and timely fashion;

28         (c)  Comply with applicable nonprocedural requirements

29  of agencies;

30         (d)  Be consistent with applicable provisions of local

31  government comprehensive plans, if any; and


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 1         (e)  Effect a reasonable balance between the need for

 2  the transmission line as a means of providing reliable,

 3  economically efficient electric energy, as determined by the

 4  commission, under s. 403.537, abundant low-cost electrical

 5  energy and the impact upon the public and the environment

 6  resulting from the location of the transmission line corridor

 7  and the construction, operation, and maintenance of the

 8  transmission lines.

 9         (5)(a)  Any transmission line corridor certified by the

10  board, or secretary if applicable, shall meet the criteria of

11  this section. When more than one transmission line corridor is

12  proper for certification under pursuant to s. 403.522(10) and

13  meets the criteria of this section, the board, or secretary if

14  applicable, shall certify the transmission line corridor that

15  has the least adverse impact regarding the criteria in

16  subsection (4), including costs.

17         (b)  If the board, or secretary if applicable, finds

18  that an alternate corridor rejected pursuant to s. 403.5271

19  meets the criteria of subsection (4) and has the least adverse

20  impact regarding the criteria in subsection (4), including

21  cost, of all corridors that meet the criteria of subsection

22  (4), then the board, or secretary if applicable, shall deny

23  certification or shall allow the applicant to submit an

24  amended application to include the such corridor.

25         (c)  If the board, or secretary if applicable, finds

26  that two or more of the corridors that comply with the

27  provisions of subsection (4) have the least adverse impacts

28  regarding the criteria in subsection (4), including costs, and

29  that the such corridors are substantially equal in adverse

30  impacts regarding the criteria in subsection (4), including

31  costs, then the board, or secretary if applicable, shall


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 1  certify the corridor preferred by the applicant if the

 2  corridor is one proper for certification under pursuant to s.

 3  403.522(10).

 4         (6)  The issuance or denial of the certification is by

 5  the board shall be the final administrative action required as

 6  to that application.

 7         Section 58.  Section 403.531, Florida Statutes, is

 8  amended to read:

 9         403.531  Effect of certification.--

10         (1)  Subject to the conditions set forth therein,

11  certification shall constitute the sole license of the state

12  and any agency as to the approval of the location of

13  transmission line corridors and the construction, operation,

14  and maintenance of transmission lines. The certification is

15  shall be valid for the life of the transmission line, if

16  provided that construction on, or condemnation or acquisition

17  of, the right-of-way is commenced within 5 years after of the

18  date of certification or such later date as may be authorized

19  by the board.

20         (2)(a)  The certification authorizes shall authorize

21  the licensee applicant to locate the transmission line

22  corridor and to construct and maintain the transmission lines

23  subject only to the conditions of certification set forth in

24  the such certification.

25         (b)  The certification may include conditions that

26  which constitute variances and exemptions from nonprocedural

27  standards or rules regulations of the department or any other

28  agency, which were expressly considered during the

29  certification review proceeding unless waived by the agency as

30  provided in s. 403.526 below and which otherwise would be

31  applicable to the location of the proposed transmission line


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 1  corridor or the construction, operation, and maintenance of

 2  the transmission lines. Each party shall notify the applicant

 3  and other parties at the time scheduled for the filing of the

 4  agency reports of any nonprocedural requirements not

 5  specifically listed in the application from which a variance,

 6  exemption, exception, or other relief is necessary in order

 7  for the board to certify any corridor proposed for

 8  certification. Failure of such notification shall be treated

 9  as a waiver from the nonprocedural requirements of that

10  agency.

11         (3)(a)  The certification shall be in lieu of any

12  license, permit, certificate, or similar document required by

13  any state, regional, or local agency under pursuant to, but

14  not limited to, chapter 125, chapter 161, chapter 163, chapter

15  166, chapter 186, chapter 253, chapter 258, chapter 298,

16  chapter 370, chapter 372, chapter 373, chapter 376, chapter

17  380, chapter 381, chapter 387, chapter 403, chapter 404, the

18  Florida Transportation Code, or 33 U.S.C. s. 1341.

19         (b)  On certification, any license, easement, or other

20  interest in state lands, except those the title of which is

21  vested in the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement

22  Trust Fund, shall be issued by the appropriate agency as a

23  ministerial act. The applicant shall be required to seek any

24  necessary interest in state lands the title to which is vested

25  in the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust

26  Fund from the board of trustees before, during, or after the

27  certification proceeding, and certification may be made

28  contingent upon issuance of the appropriate interest in

29  realty. However, neither the applicant and nor any party to

30  the certification proceeding may not directly or indirectly

31  raise or relitigate any matter that which was or could have


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 1  been an issue in the certification proceeding in any

 2  proceeding before the Board of Trustees of the Internal

 3  Improvement Trust Fund wherein the applicant is seeking a

 4  necessary interest in state lands, but the information

 5  presented in the certification proceeding shall be available

 6  for review by the board of trustees and its staff.

 7         (4)  This act does shall not in any way affect the

 8  ratemaking powers of the commission under chapter 366. This

 9  act does shall also not in any way affect the right of any

10  local government to charge appropriate fees or require that

11  construction be in compliance with the National Electrical

12  Safety Code, as prescribed by the commission.

13         (5)  A No term or condition of certification may not

14  shall be interpreted to preclude the postcertification

15  exercise by any party of whatever procedural rights it may

16  have under chapter 120, including those related to rulemaking

17  proceedings.

18         Section 59.  Section 403.5312, Florida Statutes, is

19  amended to read:

20         403.5312  Filing Recording of notice of certified

21  corridor route.--

22         (1)  Within 60 days after certification of a directly

23  associated transmission line under pursuant to ss.

24  403.501-403.518 or a transmission line corridor under pursuant

25  to ss. 403.52-403.5365, the applicant shall file with the

26  department and, in accordance with s. 28.222, with the clerk

27  of the circuit court for each county through which the

28  corridor will pass, a notice of the certified route.

29         (2)  The notice must shall consist of maps or aerial

30  photographs in the scale of 1:24,000 which clearly show the

31  location of the certified route and must shall state that the


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 1  certification of the corridor will result in the acquisition

 2  of rights-of-way within the corridor. Each clerk shall record

 3  the filing in the official record of the county for the

 4  duration of the certification or until such time as the

 5  applicant certifies to the department and the clerk that all

 6  lands required for the transmission line rights-of-way within

 7  the corridor have been acquired within the such county,

 8  whichever is sooner.

 9         (3)  The recording of this notice does shall not

10  constitute a lien, cloud, or encumbrance on real property.

11         Section 60.  Section 403.5315, Florida Statutes, is

12  amended to read:

13         403.5315  Modification of certification.--A

14  certification may be modified after issuance in any one of the

15  following ways:

16         (1)  The board may delegate to the department the

17  authority to modify specific conditions in the certification.

18         (2)  The licensee may file a petition for modification

19  with the department or the department may initiate the

20  modification upon its own initiative.

21         (a)  A petition for modification must set forth:

22         1.  The proposed modification;

23         2.  The factual reasons asserted for the modification;

24  and

25         3.  The anticipated additional environmental effects of

26  the proposed modification.

27         (b)(2)  The department may modify the terms and

28  conditions of the certification if no party objects in writing

29  to the such modification within 45 days after notice by mail

30  to the last address of record in the certification proceeding,

31  and if no other person whose substantial interests will be


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 1  affected by the modification objects in writing within 30 days

 2  after issuance of public notice.

 3         (c)  If objections are raised or the department denies

 4  the proposed modification, the licensee may file a request for

 5  hearing on the modification with the department. Such a

 6  request shall be handled pursuant to chapter 120.

 7         (d)  A request for hearing referred to the Division of

 8  Administrative Hearings shall be disposed of in the same

 9  manner as an application but with time periods established by

10  the administrative law judge commensurate with the

11  significance of the modification requested. If objections are

12  raised, the applicant may file a petition for modification

13  pursuant to subsection (3).

14         (3)  The applicant or the department may file a

15  petition for modification with the department and the Division

16  of Administrative Hearings setting forth:

17         (a)  The proposed modification;

18         (b)  The factual reasons asserted for the modification;

19  and

20         (c)  The anticipated additional environmental effects

21  of the proposed modification.

22         (4)  Petitions filed pursuant to subsection (3) shall

23  be disposed of in the same manner as an application but with

24  time periods established by the administrative law judge

25  commensurate with the significance of the modification

26  requested.

27         Section 61.  Section 403.5317, Florida Statutes, is

28  created to read:

29         403.5317  Postcertification activities.--

30         (1)(a)  If, subsequent to certification, a licensee

31  proposes any material change to the application or prior


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 1  amendments, the licensee shall submit to the department a

 2  written request for amendment and description of the proposed

 3  change to the application. The department shall, within 30

 4  days after the receipt of the request for the amendment,

 5  determine whether the proposed change to the application

 6  requires a modification of the conditions of certification.

 7         (b)  If the department concludes that the change would

 8  not require a modification of the conditions of certification,

 9  the department shall notify, in writing, the licensee, all

10  agencies, and all parties of the approval of the amendment.

11         (c)  If the department concludes that the change would

12  require a modification of the conditions of certification, the

13  department shall notify the licensee that the proposed change

14  to the application requires a request for modification under

15  s. 403.5315.

16         (2)  Postcertification submittals filed by a licensee

17  with one or more agencies are for the purpose of monitoring

18  for compliance with the issued certification. Each submittal

19  must be reviewed by each agency on an expedited and priority

20  basis because each facility certified under this act is a

21  critical infrastructure facility. Postcertification review may

22  not be completed more than 90 days after complete information

23  for a segment of the certified transmission line is submitted

24  to the reviewing agencies.

25         Section 62.  Section 403.5363, Florida Statutes, is

26  created to read:

27         403.5363  Public notices; requirements.--

28         (1)(a)  The applicant shall arrange for the publication

29  of the notices specified in paragraph (b).

30         1.  The notices shall be published in newspapers of

31  general circulation within counties crossed by the


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 1  transmission line corridors proper for certification. The

 2  required newspaper notices for filing of an application and

 3  for the certification hearing shall be one-half page in size

 4  in a standard-size newspaper or a full page in a tabloid-size

 5  newspaper and published in a section of the newspaper other

 6  than the section for legal notices. These two notices must

 7  include a map generally depicting all transmission corridors

 8  proper for certification. A newspaper of general circulation

 9  shall be the newspaper within a county crossed by a

10  transmission line corridor proper for certification which

11  newspaper has the largest daily circulation in that county and

12  has its principal office in that county. If the newspaper

13  having the largest daily circulation has its principal office

14  outside the county, the notices must appear in both the

15  newspaper having the largest circulation in that county and in

16  a newspaper authorized to publish legal notices in that

17  county.

18         2.  The department shall adopt rules specifying the

19  content of the newspaper notices.

20         3.  All notices published by the applicant shall be

21  paid for by the applicant and shall be in addition to the

22  application fee.

23         (b)  Public notices that must be published under this

24  section include:

25         1.  The notice of the filing of an application, which

26  must include a description of the proceedings required by this

27  act. The notice must describe the provisions of s. 403.531(1)

28  and (2) and give the date by which notice of intent to be a

29  party or a petition to intervene in accordance with s.

30  403.527(2) must be filed. This notice must be published no

31  more than 21 days after the application is filed.


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 1         2.  The notice of the certification hearing and any

 2  other public hearing permitted under s. 403.527. The notice

 3  must include the date by which a person wishing to appear as a

 4  party must file the notice to do so. The notice of the

 5  certification hearing must be published at least 65 days

 6  before the date set for the certification hearing.

 7         3.  The notice of the cancellation of the certification

 8  hearing, if applicable. The notice must be published at least

 9  3 days before the date of the originally scheduled

10  certification hearing.

11         4.  The notice of the filing of a proposal to modify

12  the certification submitted under s. 403.5315, if the

13  department determines that the modification would require

14  relocation or expansion of the transmission line right-of-way

15  or a certified substation.

16         (2)  The proponent of an alternate corridor shall

17  arrange for the publication of the filing of the proposal for

18  an alternate corridor, the revised time schedules, the date by

19  which newly affected persons or agencies may file the notice

20  of intent to become a party, and the date of the rescheduled

21  hearing. A notice listed in this subsection must be published

22  in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or

23  counties crossed by the proposed alternate corridor and comply

24  with the content requirements set forth in paragraph (1)(a).

25  The notice must be published not less than 50 days before the

26  rescheduled certification hearing.

27         (3)  The department shall arrange for the publication

28  of the following notices in the manner specified by chapter

29  120:

30         (a)  The notice of the filing of an application and the

31  date by which a person intending to become a party must file


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 1  the notice of intent. The notice must be published no later

 2  than 21 days after the application has been filed.

 3         (b)  The notice of any administrative hearing for

 4  certification, if applicable. The notice must be published not

 5  less than 65 days before the date set for a hearing, except

 6  that notice for a rescheduled certification hearing after

 7  acceptance of an alternative corridor must be published not

 8  less than 50 days before the date set for the hearing.

 9         (c)  The notice of the cancellation of a certification

10  hearing, if applicable. The notice must be published not later

11  than 7 days before the date of the originally scheduled

12  certification hearing.

13         (d)  The notice of the hearing before the siting board,

14  if applicable.

15         (e)  The notice of stipulations, proposed agency

16  action, or a petition for modification.

17         Section 63.  Section 403.5365, Florida Statutes, is

18  amended to read:

19         403.5365  Fees; disposition.--The department shall

20  charge the applicant the following fees, as appropriate,

21  which, unless otherwise specified, shall be paid into the

22  Florida Permit Fee Trust Fund:

23         (1)  An application fee.

24         (a)  The application fee shall be of $100,000, plus

25  $750 per mile for each mile of corridor in which the

26  transmission line right-of-way is proposed to be located

27  within an existing electric electrical transmission line

28  right-of-way or within any existing right-of-way for any road,

29  highway, railroad, or other aboveground linear facility, or

30  $1,000 per mile for each mile of electric transmission line

31  


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 1  corridor proposed to be located outside the such existing

 2  right-of-way.

 3         (b)(a)  Sixty percent of the fee shall go to the

 4  department to cover any costs associated with coordinating the

 5  review of reviewing and acting upon the application and any

 6  costs for field services associated with monitoring

 7  construction and operation of the electric transmission line

 8  facility.

 9         (c)(b)  The following percentage Twenty percent of the

10  fees specified under this section, except postcertification

11  fees, shall be transferred to the Administrative Trust Fund of

12  the Division of Administrative Hearings of the Department of

13  Management Services:.

14         1.  Five percent to compensate for expenses from the

15  initial exercise of duties associated with the filing of an

16  application.

17         2.  An additional 10 percent if an administrative

18  hearing under s. 403.527 is held.

19         (d)1.(c)  Upon written request with proper itemized

20  accounting within 90 days after final agency action by the

21  siting board or the department or the withdrawal of the

22  application, the agencies that prepared reports under s.

23  403.526 or s. 403.5271 or participated in a hearing under s.

24  403.527 or s. 403.5271 may submit a written request to the

25  department for reimbursement of expenses incurred during the

26  certification proceedings. The request must contain an

27  accounting of expenses incurred, which may include time spent

28  reviewing the application, department shall reimburse the

29  expenses and costs of the Department of Community Affairs, the

30  Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the water

31  management district, regional planning council, and local


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 1  government in the jurisdiction of which the transmission line

 2  is to be located. Such reimbursement shall be authorized for

 3  the preparation of any studies required of the agencies by

 4  this act, and for agency travel and per diem to attend any

 5  hearing held under pursuant to this act, and for the local

 6  government or regional planning council providing additional

 7  notice of the informational public meeting. The department

 8  shall review the request and verify whether a claimed expense

 9  is valid. Valid expenses shall be reimbursed; however, if to

10  participate in the proceedings. In the event the amount of

11  funds available for reimbursement allocation is insufficient

12  to provide for full compensation complete reimbursement to the

13  agencies, reimbursement shall be on a prorated basis.

14         2.  If the application review is held in abeyance for

15  more than 1 year, the agencies may submit a request for

16  reimbursement under subparagraph 1.

17         (e)(d)  If any sums are remaining, the department shall

18  retain them for its use in the same manner as is otherwise

19  authorized by this section; provided, however, that if the

20  certification application is withdrawn, the remaining sums

21  shall be refunded to the applicant within 90 days after

22  withdrawal.

23         (2)  An amendment fee.

24         (a)  If no corridor alignment change is proposed by the

25  amendment, no amendment fee shall be charged.

26         (b)  If a corridor alignment change under s. 403.5275

27  is proposed by the applicant, an additional fee of a minimum

28  of $2,000 and $750 per mile shall be submitted to the

29  department for use in accordance with this act.

30         (c)  If an amendment is required to address issues,

31  including alternate corridors under pursuant to s. 403.5271,


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 1  raised by the department or other parties, no fee for the such

 2  amendment shall be charged.

 3         (3)  A certification modification fee.

 4         (a)  If no corridor alignment change is proposed by the

 5  licensee applicant, the modification fee shall be $4,000.

 6         (b)  If a corridor alignment change is proposed by the

 7  licensee applicant, the fee shall be $1,000 for each mile of

 8  realignment plus an amount not to exceed $10,000 to be fixed

 9  by rule on a sliding scale based on the load-carrying

10  capability and configuration of the transmission line for use

11  in accordance with subsection (1) (2).

12         Section 64.  Subsection (1) of section 403.537, Florida

13  Statutes, is amended to read:

14         403.537  Determination of need for transmission line;

15  powers and duties.--

16         (1)(a)  Upon request by an applicant or upon its own

17  motion, the Florida Public Service Commission shall schedule a

18  public hearing, after notice, to determine the need for a

19  transmission line regulated by the Florida Electric

20  Transmission Line Siting Act, ss. 403.52-403.5365. The Such

21  notice shall be published at least 21 45 days before the date

22  set for the hearing and shall be published by the applicant in

23  at least one-quarter page size notice in newspapers of general

24  circulation, and by the commission in the manner specified in

25  chapter 120 in the Florida Administrative Weekly, by giving

26  notice to counties and regional planning councils in whose

27  jurisdiction the transmission line could be placed, and by

28  giving notice to any persons who have requested to be placed

29  on the mailing list of the commission for this purpose. Within

30  21 days after receipt of a request for determination by an

31  applicant, the commission shall set a date for the hearing.


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 1  The hearing shall be held pursuant to s. 350.01 within 45 days

 2  after the filing of the request, and a decision shall be

 3  rendered within 60 days after such filing.

 4         (b)  The commission shall be the sole forum in which to

 5  determine the need for a transmission line. The need for a

 6  transmission line may not be raised or be the subject of

 7  review in another proceeding.

 8         (c)(b)  In the determination of need, the commission

 9  shall take into account the need for electric system

10  reliability and integrity, the need for abundant, low-cost

11  electrical energy to assure the economic well-being of the

12  residents citizens of this state, the appropriate starting and

13  ending point of the line, and other matters within its

14  jurisdiction deemed relevant to the determination of need. The

15  appropriate starting and ending points of the electric

16  transmission line must be verified by the commission in its

17  determination of need.

18         (d)(c)  The determination by the commission of the need

19  for the transmission line, as defined in s. 403.522(22) s.

20  403.522(21), is binding on all parties to any certification

21  proceeding under pursuant to the Florida Electric Transmission

22  Line Siting Act and is a condition precedent to the conduct of

23  the certification hearing prescribed therein. An order entered

24  pursuant to this section constitutes final agency action.

25         Section 65.  Subsection (3) of section 373.441, Florida

26  Statutes, is amended to read:

27         373.441  Role of counties, municipalities, and local

28  pollution control programs in permit processing.--

29         (3)  The department shall review environmental resource

30  permit applications for electrical distribution and

31  transmission lines and other facilities related to the


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 1  production, transmission, and distribution of electricity

 2  which are not certified under ss. 403.52-403.5365, the Florida

 3  Electric Transmission Line Siting Act, regulated under this

 4  part.

 5         Section 66.  Subsection (30) of section 403.061,

 6  Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

 7         403.061  Department; powers and duties.--The department

 8  shall have the power and the duty to control and prohibit

 9  pollution of air and water in accordance with the law and

10  rules adopted and promulgated by it and, for this purpose, to:

11         (30)  Establish requirements by rule that reasonably

12  protect the public health and welfare from electric and

13  magnetic fields associated with existing 230 kV or greater

14  electrical transmission lines, new 230 kV and greater

15  electrical transmission lines for which an application for

16  certification under the Florida Electric Transmission Line

17  Siting Act, ss. 403.52-403.5365, is not filed, new or existing

18  electrical transmission or distribution lines with voltage

19  less than 230 kV, and substation facilities. Notwithstanding

20  any other provision in this chapter or any other law of this

21  state or political subdivision thereof, the department shall

22  have exclusive jurisdiction in the regulation of electric and

23  magnetic fields associated with all electrical transmission

24  and distribution lines and substation facilities. However,

25  nothing herein shall be construed as superseding or repealing

26  the provisions of s. 403.523(1) and (10).

27  

28  The department shall implement such programs in conjunction

29  with its other powers and duties and shall place special

30  emphasis on reducing and eliminating contamination that

31  


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 1  presents a threat to humans, animals or plants, or to the

 2  environment.

 3         Section 67.  Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section

 4  403.0876, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

 5         403.0876  Permits; processing.--

 6         (3)(a)  The department shall establish a special unit

 7  for permit coordination and processing to provide expeditious

 8  processing of department permits which the district offices

 9  are unable to process expeditiously and to provide accelerated

10  processing of certain permits or renewals for economic and

11  operating stability. The ability of the department to process

12  applications under pursuant to this subsection in a more

13  timely manner than allowed by subsections (1) and (2) is

14  dependent upon the timely exchange of information between the

15  applicant and the department and the intervention of outside

16  parties as allowed by law. An applicant may request the

17  processing of its permit application by the special unit if

18  the application is from an area of high unemployment or low

19  per capita income, is from a business or industry that is the

20  primary employer within an area's labor market, or is in an

21  industry with respect to which the complexities involved in

22  the review of the application require special skills uniquely

23  available in the headquarters office. The department may

24  require the applicant to waive the 90-day time limitation for

25  department issuance or denial of the permit once for a period

26  not to exceed 90 days. The department may require a special

27  fee to cover the direct cost of processing special

28  applications in addition to normal permit fees and costs. The

29  special fee may not exceed $10,000 per permit required.

30  Applications for renewal permits, but not applications for

31  initial permits, required for facilities pursuant to the


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 1  Electrical Power Plant Siting Act or the Florida Electric

 2  Transmission Line Siting Act may be processed under this

 3  subsection. Personnel staffing the special unit shall have

 4  lengthy experience in permit processing.

 5         Section 68.  Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section

 6  403.809, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

 7         403.809  Environmental districts; establishment;

 8  managers; functions.--

 9         (3)

10         (b)  The processing of all applications for permits,

11  licenses, certificates, and exemptions shall be accomplished

12  at the district center or the branch office, except for those

13  applications specifically assigned elsewhere in the department

14  under s. 403.805 or to the water management districts under s.

15  403.812 and those applications assigned by interagency

16  agreement as provided in this act. However, the secretary, as

17  head of the department, may not delegate to district or

18  subdistrict managers, water management districts, or any unit

19  of local government the authority to act on the following

20  types of permit applications:

21         1.  Permits issued under s. 403.0885, except such

22  permit issuance may be delegated to district managers.

23         2.  Construction of major air pollution sources.

24         3.  Certifications under the Florida Electrical Power

25  Plant Siting Act or the Florida Electric Transmission Line

26  Siting Act and the associated permit issued under s. 403.0885,

27  if applicable.

28         4.  Permits issued under s. 403.0885 to steam electric

29  generating facilities regulated pursuant to 40 C.F.R. part

30  423.

31         5.  Permits issued under s. 378.901.


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 1         Section 69.  Sections 403.5253 and 403.5369, Florida

 2  Statutes, are repealed.

 3         Section 70.  By November 1, 2006, the Department of

 4  Environmental Protection shall provide to the Governor, the

 5  President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of

 6  Representatives a report detailing the state's leadership by

 7  example in energy conservation and energy efficiency. The

 8  report must include a description of state programs designed

 9  to achieve energy conservation and energy efficiency at

10  state-owned facilities, such as the guaranteed energy

11  performance savings contracting pursuant to s. 489.145,

12  Florida Statutes, and the inclusion of alternative fuel

13  vehicles in state fleets. The report must describe the costs

14  of implementation, details of the programs, and current and

15  projected energy and cost savings.

16         Section 71.  For the 2006-2007 fiscal year, the sum of

17  $8,587,000 in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the

18  General Revenue Fund and $6,413,000 in nonrecurring funds is

19  appropriated from the Grants and Donations Trust Fund in the

20  Department of Environmental Protection for the purpose of

21  funding the Renewable Energy Technologies Grants program

22  authorized in s. 377.804, Florida Statutes. From the General

23  Revenue Funds, $5,000,000 are contingent upon the coordination

24  between the Department of Environmental Protection and the

25  Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services pursuant to s.

26  377.804(6), Florida Statutes.

27         Section 72.  For the 2006-2007 fiscal year, the sum of

28  $2.5 million in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the

29  General Revenue Fund to the Department of Environmental

30  Protection for the purpose of funding commercial and consumer

31  solar rebates authorized in section 377.806, Florida Statutes.


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    CS for CS for CS for SB 888             Second Engrossed (ntc)



 1         Section 73.  The sum of $61,379 in nonrecurring funds

 2  is appropriated from the General Revenue Fund to the

 3  Department of Revenue for the purpose of producing a taxpayer

 4  information publication for a sales tax holiday for the

 5  purchase of energy-efficient products as authorized by s.

 6  377.8055, Florida Statutes, for the 2006-2007 fiscal year.

 7         Section 74.  This act shall take effect upon becoming a

 8  law.

 9  

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