Bill > SB0962

This bill establishes new requirements for high energy use facilities (HEUFs), which are defined as projects requiring 100 megawatts or more of electrical power, including data centers. The legislation mandates that before a locality approves a rezoning request, special exception, or special use permit for a new HEUF, both the applicant and the electric utility must submit detailed site assessments. The applicant's assessment must examine the sound impact on residential areas and schools within 500 feet of the proposed facility, and localities may also require evaluations of water, agricultural resources, parks, historic sites, and forestland. The electric utility must provide information about new generating units, substations, and transmission voltage needed to serve the project. These assessments will help localities determine the proposed facility's consistency with their comprehensive plans and compliance with local ordinances. The bill explicitly does not apply to minor expansions of existing approved facilities (less than 100 MW) and does not diminish existing regulatory authorities or local zoning powers. The legislation aims to provide localities with more comprehensive information and control when considering large energy-intensive projects.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0962&ga=114