ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION SITING

Creates the Electric Transmission Facilities Siting Act. Defines terms. Requires that, in the siting of new electric transmission facilities, available corridors be used in the following order of priority: (1) existing public utility corridors; (2) highway corridors; and (3) new corridors. Provides that a public utility or developer may construct, place, or maintain a high-voltage electric service line on a public right-of-way or along a highway if (i) the public utility or developer submits a colocation request for the high-voltage electric service line to the Secretary of Transportation and (ii) the Secretary reviews and approves the colocation request. Provides that the Secretary may deny a colocation request if the Secretary determines that the construction, placement, or maintenance of a high-voltage electric service line on a public right-of-way or along a highway would endanger public safety or would interfere with the proper function of the highway. Provides that a public utility or developer may submit a written request to the Department of Transportation for an evaluation of certain corridors for possible locations for a high-voltage electric service line. Provides that, within 30 days after receipt of a written request, the Secretary shall assign a project coordinator to the request. Provides that a project coordinator, upon assignment to a request, shall begin the evaluation in coordination with the applicable public utility or developer. Requires a public utility or developer to develop a constructability report in consultation with the Department and requires the public utility or developer and the Department to follow the terms and conditions of the constructability report during the planning and approval process for the siting of a high-voltage electric service line. Sets forth requirements for the content of the constructability report. Provides that, if the Department requires that a high-voltage electric service line on a public right-of-way be relocated by a specific date, the Department shall give the applicable public utility or developer notice of the required relocation no less than 10 years before the date of the required relocation. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.