HB 26-1278

HB 26-1278, also known as the "Local Government Approval of Transmission Infrastructure" bill, requires electric companies to get approval from both the state's Public Utilities Commission and local governments before they can start building high-voltage transmission lines. This means that these companies must first receive a certificate proving their project is necessary for public use and then secure all needed permits from local authorities before taking any legal action to acquire land for construction. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it will now be enforced as part of Colorado's regulations.

Official Summary

The bill requires that an investor-owned electric utility receive a certificate of public convenience and necessity (certificate) from the public utilities commission and obtain all necessary local government land use approvals and permits prior to initiating any condemnation proceedings related to a high-voltage transmission infrastructure project requiring the certificate.The bill does not change existing application and review processes related to the development of transmission projects that have been established by the public utilities commission or a relevant local government.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

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