New regulations are being proposed, impacting various sectors, and this notice serves to inform stakeholders about the upcoming changes. While the specifics might seem distant from daily concerns such as Rapid Action Force Uniform standards, the underlying principles of structured processes and public input are universally applicable. This announcement details the proposed rulemaking under the RAPID Act concerning major electric transmission facilities in New York State.
The RAPID Act authorizes the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES), in consultation with the Department of Public Service (DPS), to establish a new siting permit program for major electric transmission facilities. This initiative necessitates the repeal of the existing Part 1100 and its replacement with a restructured framework encompassing Part 1100 (General Procedures), Part 1101 (Major Renewable Energy Facility Siting), and Part 1102 (Major Electric Transmission Facility Siting). The primary objective is to implement clear procedural rules and consistent standards for the siting, design, construction, and operation of major renewable energy generation and electric transmission facilities. Detailed information on the proposed rulemaking is publicly accessible for review.
Furthermore, in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the DPS, through ORES as the lead agency, has finalized a draft generic environmental impact statement (DGEIS) related to this proposed rulemaking. The DGEIS assesses potential environmental impacts associated with the new siting permit program for major electric transmission facilities created by the RAPID Act. The DGEIS document is also available for public consultation.
Public participation is a crucial aspect of this process. Written comments on both the proposed rulemaking and the DGEIS are encouraged and should be submitted by March 18, 2025. All submissions must reference Case 24-M-0433 for proper categorization. Individuals are strongly encouraged to submit their comments via the Department’s Document and Matter Management (DMM) system, accessible through the www.dps.ny.gov website by navigating to “File Search” under “Commission Files” and entering “24-M-0433”. Electronic submission can be completed by clicking “Post Comments”.
For those unable to submit comments electronically, postal submissions can be directed to: Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission, Empire State Plaza, P-1 South, J Dock, Albany, NY 12242, with clear reference to Case 24-M-0433. Mailed comments must be postmarked by March 18, 2025, to be considered. All mailed comments will be incorporated into the official record via the Department’s DMM system.
To further facilitate public engagement, twenty in-person public comment hearings and two virtual public comment hearings will be held across New York State. Comprehensive details regarding the schedule of in-person hearings can be found in the “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Acceptance of Draft GEIS” and the “Notice of Additional Public Comment Hearings” on the DPS website (www.dps.ny.gov). Access these notices by using the “File Search” function under “Commission Files” and searching for Case 24-M-0433.
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