It’s official – December 29th is the Annual Hearing on the Power Plant Siting Act.  Written Comments are due by 4:30 p.m. on February 1, 2012.

MPUC – Notice of Annual Hearing – Power Plant Siting Act

First, what’s the Power Plant Siting Act?  It’s the state chapter of statutes and associated rules that govern how we site power plants and transmission lines in Minnesota:

Power Plant Siting Act – 216E

The PPSA Annual Hearing has also included references to wind siting, which is 216F.  The PSA includes “Buy the Farm” (216E.12, Subd. 4) which is under siege now that CapX 2020 permitting is at the stage where they’re taking land by eminent domain.

Here’s the short version:

This is your opportunity to tell them how you think the Power Plant Siting Act isn’t working (ummmmm, yes, presumptive, but been there, done that, it ISN’T working) and to tell them how it should work.

This is your opportunity to submit Comments, oral at the hearing (Judge Lipman will be presiding again) and in writing.  Send written comments to:

Written comments may also be submitted until 4:30 PM, February 1, 2012.  Reference Power Plant Siting Act Annual Hearing docket number E999/M-11-324 in all correspondence. Comments should be sent to Judge Lipman at:

Here are my comments from last year and the Rulemaking Petition I submitted.  The Rulemaking Petition was split off, and I resubmitted directly to OAH for the 1400 and 1405 rules (the OAH rules).  Still need to rework the ones for PUC (7800 series), and I’ll do that by the hearing date.

Overland Comments 2010

Overland rulemaking Petition – 2010

Do show up and let them know in technicolor what YOU’VE experienced.  This is important.