Carbon dioxide facility applicants would pay for public environmental reviews

Covered applicants would prepare and pay for an environmental impact statement, a detailed review of environmental effects. The requirement covers applicants seeking permits for carbon dioxide transmission facilities described in the referenced state law. For other facility applications, the commission could require an applicant to prepare and pay for a review. The commission could not require a review if a completed study meeting federal environmental review requirements reached it at least 30 days before its decision deadline. Applicants would submit reviews at least 30 days before the commission’s decision deadline. Reviews would be published on its website.

Applicants could reapply for denied permits, generally proving only that they meet the requirements that caused the original denial. The limited proof requirement would apply to the first reapplication for a previously denied facility permit. The commission could require proof on other requirements if it specifically found a major change in circumstances affecting those requirements. The commission could not require another environmental impact statement. Applicants could reapply within three years of the original permit denial.