Duty to accept and incorporate findings and conclusions of environmental review that already has been conducted; duplicative review prohibited; exception; duty to cooperate and coordinate to avoid duplication of activities.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if an environmental review relating to the construction of a utility facility in its entirety, or to the construction of any portion of a utility facility, has already been conducted by an appropriate federal agency or by a state, regional or local agency, the Commission and each other permitting entity:
(a) Shall accept and incorporate the findings and conclusions made in that review into any application for a permit, license or other approval for the construction of the utility facility which is filed with the Commission or other permitting entity; and
(b) Shall not conduct any duplicative environmental review on the application.
Ê The Commission or other permitting entity need not comply with the provisions of this subsection if the Commission or other permitting entity has already completed its own environmental review.
2. The Commission and other permitting entities shall cooperate with each other and the appropriate federal agencies on applications for permits, licenses and other approvals to construct a utility facility and coordinate their activities, including, without limitation, conducting hearings or environmental reviews, to avoid duplication of activities.
Last modified: February 26, 2006