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2018 Session

Budget Amendments - SB30 (Member Request)

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Chief Patron: Lewis
Study of permit-by-rule (PBR) process for small-renewable energy projects (language only)

Item 367 #1s

Item 367 #1s

Natural Resources
Department of Environmental Quality

Language

Page 329, following line 22, insert:

"C.1. The Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is directed to study the process by which DEQ reviews and approves applications for permit-by-rule (PBR) for "small renewable energy projects". In conducting the study, DEQ shall include: i) The number of applications received, completed applications, and approved applications; ii) An analysis of the average amount of time an application remains in the PBR queue; iii) A survey of electric utility and electric grid operators on the viability of all applications to proceed to construction and interconnection; iv) A comparison of permit fees collected to total costs incurred by the Commonwealth to review and process applications; v) A survey of local governments to determine costs incurred to review applications for stormwater and erosion and sediment control permits for all renewable projects under PBR; vi) An analysis of whether DEQ is adequately staffed to properly, effectively, and efficiently manage the PBR process; and vii) Any additional considerations to provide a more complete analysis of impacts to state and local resources.

2.  As part of the study, the DEQ Director will provide recommendations on revisions to the PBR application and approval process including, but not limited to: (i) adjustments to state and local review application fees; and (ii) time limits for approval by which construction must commence. The department shall complete the study by November 30, 2018 and submit its findings to the Secretary of Natural Resources and General Assembly."



Explanation

(This amendment directs the Department of Environmental Quality to study the process by which DEQ reviews and approves applications for permit-by-rule (PBR) for "small renewable energy projects" and report its findings and analysis to the General Assembly by November 30, 2018.)