SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 71 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled January 9, 2008 Stating the intent of the General Assembly with regard to statutory requirements for the construction of high voltage transmission lines. ---------- Patrons-- Petersen; Delegates: Gilbert, Hogan, Scott, J.M. and Watts ---------- Referred to Committee on Rules ----------

WHEREAS, the State Corporation Commission has the authority to grant or deny applications to construct electric utility facilities, including high voltage transmission lines; and

WHEREAS, the Commission is required, by § 56-46.1 of the Code of Virginia to determine if a proposed high voltage transmission line is needed, based on a number of factors; and

WHEREAS, while the determination of need includes some factors as enumerated in § 56-46.1, there are a number of other factors, with which electric utilities must comply, that affect the determination of whether the proposed high voltage transmission line exists is needed; and

WHEREAS, electric utilities may participate in the voluntary renewable energy portfolio standard program pursuant to § 56-585.2 of the Code of Virginia and will receive incentives if they achieve the renewable portfolio standard goals set forth in such program; and

WHEREAS, electric utilities are to achieve the maximum effective conservation of energy used by public utilities pursuant to § 56-235.1 of the Code of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, electric utilities are to achieve full compliance with the energy consumption reduction requirements for federal buildings set forth in Title I, Subtitle A, § 102 of the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005; and

WHEREAS, an applicant that seeks to construct a high voltage transmission line should provide the Commission with such information as the Commission requires from it in order to verify compliance with the above-referenced statutes; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That it is the intent of the General Assembly that the State Corporation Commission require any electric utility applying for approval to construct a high voltage transmission line comply with and strive to exceed all requirements or goals set forth in §§ 56-235.1 and 56-585.2 of the Code of Virginia, together with the requirements of Title I, Subtitle A, § 102 of the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, and that in determining whether an applicant has demonstrated need, compliance with these provisions be a prerequisite to the Commission's approval; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate deliver copies of this resolution to the Commissioners of the State Corporation Commission.