House subcommittee approves H.3309 after amending PSC procedures, siting and appeals rules

The House Labor, Commerce and Industry public utility subcommittee voted to adopt four amendments and approve H.3309 as amended, sending the energy bill to the full committee for consideration.

H.3309, described at the meeting as a broad package of energy and utility reforms, was advanced after the subcommittee approved Amendment 1 (PSC reforms and procedural changes), Amendment 2 (permit-appeal streamlining), Amendment 3 (consumer-advocate evaluation requirement), and Amendment 4 (technical clarifications). The committee chair called for voice votes on each amendment and on the bill; the transcript records “the ayes have it” and a unanimous voice vote on the final motion to approve the bill as amended. The bill will be considered by the full committee at a meeting scheduled for the next day.

Why it matters: The measure makes several procedural and substantive changes that affect how energy infrastructure projects are reviewed, how the Public Service Commission (PSC) conducts proceedings, and how the state positions itself for advanced nuclear and other generation options. Supporters said the changes aim to reduce backlog in permit appeals, clarify PSC authority, and speed decisions on projects they said the state needs to address an energy shortfall.

Key changes and discussion

- Review timelines and permit applications: Representative Kirby presented language that codifies a 6-month review period for energy infrastructure permit applications, requires a pre-application meeting with the agency to establish milestones, and permits a written extension only by mutual agreement. Kirby said, “A…