Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transmission Line Siting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House extends review window for high-voltage siting applications from 120 to 180 days
Summary
HB 2,040, advanced by the Committee of the Whole, would extend the Kansas Corporation Commission's deadline to issue final orders on high-voltage transmission-line siting applications from 120 days to 180 days to allow additional engagement with landowners and other stakeholders.
House Bill 2,040 was carried and reported favorably after sponsors said it would extend the Kansas Corporation Commission’s (KCC) statutory deadline for issuing a final order in high-voltage transmission-line siting applications from 120 days to 180 days.
The sponsor told the committee the longer period would give staff and applicants additional time to work with stakeholders including landowners and farmers. Proponent testimony included the deputy director of the KCC’s utilities division and written testimony from the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB), the Kansas Farm Bureau and the Kansas Livestock Association. Representatives of Evergy offered neutral testimony that an extended timeline could hinder project timing and increase cost.
The committee heard no formal opponents. Representative Ohavisham and others spoke in support on the floor. A motion to report HB 2,040 favorably for passage carried in committee and the Committee of the Whole recommendation was adopted by the House.
The change would increase the statutory review period for the KCC in siting proceedings; proponents said the extra 60 days is intended for stakeholder coordination and does not, in committee testimony, change the standards the commission must apply.
Outlook: With the committee report adopted, HB 2,040 moves forward on the House calendar for subsequent floor action.
