Saturday, October 12, 2013

Does the NY State Public Service Commission Regulate Gas Pipeline (x)?

Introduction: 
This is part 2 of 3 parts dealing with pipeline jurisdiction... Federal or State? 
Part 1 deals mainly with FERC jurisdiction.This article deals with the jurisdiction of the NYS Public Service Commission.

Suggest you read all three parts.


Does the NY State Public Service Commission Regulate Gas Pipeline (x)?


Pipeline Construction


As I've begun to study natural gas pipelines, I've been frustrated trying to figure out whether a project is scoped by FERC, or by the NY State Public Service Commission.

It turns out the law involved (Public Service Law Article VII) is
rather complex. Listen along to what Jim Austin says while looking
at the chart below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1scm86UUdnA#t=3m35s


I have constructed a matrix for helping you determine whether
a pipeline project is scoped by the NY Public Service Commission
or not.


First, you have to determine whether the pipeline is scoped by FERC or not.

FERC Jurisdiction
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) generally governs any Natural Gas
Transmission Line system which

a) (1) crosses a state line, or (2) connects to another interstate transmission line, and
b) is "not part of a gathering line system".

An example of the (a)(2) clause is the Millennium Pipeline, which is wholly 
contained in NY State, but is considered an interstate pipeline system 
by the FERC.

Who decides whether a pipeline is a transmission line or part of a gathering line?
HINT: It's not FERC, and it's not the U.S. Congress.

Give up? It's the American Petroleum Institute (API) in their document RP80,

which is "incorporated by reference" into FERC's regulations. See: 49 CFR § 192.8

If the pipeline is not scoped by FERC, then it MAY be scoped by the NY Public Service Commission (or maybe not).

NY Public Service Commission
The governing law is NY Public Service Law, Title 7, §120, §120-a. and §121.

You can read the law here: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/PBS/7
§ 122
§ 122

Does the NY Public Service Commission Regulate Pipeline (x)?

Length of Pipeline
Less than 1000'
at least 1000'
but less than 5mi
at least 5mi
but less than 10mi

10 mi or greater
pressure
less than 125 psi
UNREGULATED
UNREGULATED UNREGULATED
UNREGULATED
125 psi or more UNREGULATED 6" or less in diameter Small:
§121-a(2)
Note-1
Medium:
§121-a(3)
Note-2
Large:
"Full Blown Article-7"

§122
greater than 6" Medium:
§121-a(3)
Note-2

Note-1: §121-a(2) is a FAST TRACK. NY PSC must respond in 30 days or else there is automatic approval.
Note-2: §121-a(3) is a FAST TRACK. NY PSC must respond in 60 days or else there is automatic approval.

However, even if the above chart indicates that a pipeline is regulated, there are several exceptions, as revealed in:

Two exemptions are in Public Service Law § 120(2):

"Major  utility  transmission  facility"  means:   (b) a fuel gas transmission line  extending a distance of one thousand feet or more to be used to transport fuel gas at  pressures of one hundred twenty-five pounds per square inch or more, excluding  appurtenant  facilities, but shall  not  include  any  such transmission  line  which  is 
  • located  wholly  underground in a city or wholly within the right of way of a state, county  or  town  highway  or village  street, as those terms are defined in article one of the highway law and article six of the village law,
  • or which  replaces  an  existing transmission  line,  including  appurtenant  facilities,  and  extends a distance of less than one mile."

http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/PBS/7/120

... and three exemptions are in Public Service Law § 121(4)This article shall not apply to any major utility transmission facility:
  1. For  which, on or before July first, nineteen hundred seventy an application has been made for a license,  permit,  consent  or  approval from any federal, state or local commission, agency, board or regulatory  body,   in   which   application  the  location  of  the  major utility transmission facility has been designated by the applicant;
  2. The construction of which has been approved by  a  municipality  or public  benefit  corporation  which  has sold bonds or bond anticipation   notes on or before July first, nineteen hundred seventy, the proceeds or   part of the proceeds of which are to be used in payment therefor; or
  3. Over which any agency or department of the federal  government  hasexclusive  jurisdiction, or has jurisdiction concurrent with that of the  state  and  has  exercised  such  jurisdiction,  to  the  exclusion   of  regulation of the facility by the state.

    http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/PBS/7/121

I hope this is helpful!

I'm fairly certain I've got this right, but if you spot any errors,
please email me at WilliamAHuston@gmail.com and I will be happy to correct this.

------------------

For your reference, here is the law:
------------------


N.Y. Public Service Law § 120 : NY Code - Section 120: Definitions
 
Where used in this article, the following terms,  unless  the  context  otherwise  requires,  shall  have  the   following  meanings.
    1. "Municipality" means a county, city, town or village in the state.
    2.  "Major  utility  transmission  facility"  means:  (a)  an electric   transmission line of  a  design  capacity  of  one  hundred  twenty-five kilovolts  or  more  extending a distance of one mile or more, or of one hundred  kilovolts  or  more  and  less  than  one  hundred  twenty-five kilovolts,  extending  a  distance  of  ten  miles  or  more,  including associated equipment, but shall not include any such  transmission  line located  wholly underground in a city with a population in excess of one hundred twenty-five thousand or a primary transmission line approved  by the federal energy   regulatory  commission  in  connection  with  a hydro-electric facility; and (b) a fuel gas transmission line  extending a distance of one thousand feet or more to be used to transport fuel gas at  pressures of one hundred twenty-five pounds per square inch or more, excluding  appurtenant  facilities,  but  shall  not  include  any  such transmission  line  which  is  located  wholly  underground in a city or wholly within the right of way of a state, county  or  town  highway  or village  street as those terms are defined in article one of the highway
  law and article six of the village law, or which  replaces  an  existing transmission  line,  including  appurtenant  facilities,  and  extends a distance of less than one mile.
    3.  "Person"  means  any  individual,  corporation,   public   benefit  corporation,  political  subdivision, governmental agency, municipality,  partnership, co-operative association, trust or estate.
    4.  "Appurtenant  facilities"  means  installations   (excluding   gas   compressors)  which  are  merely  auxiliary or appurtenant to a fuel gas   transmission line such  as:  valves;  drips;  measuring  and  regulating   equipment;  yard  and station piping; cathodic protection equipment; gas  cleaning;  cooling  and   dehydration   equipment;   residual   refining   equipment;  water  pumping;  treatment and cooling equipment; electrical   and communication equipment; and buildings.

N.Y. Public Service § 121 : NY Code - Section 121: Certificate of environmental compatibility and public need
     
1.   No person shall, after July first, nineteen  hundred  seventy,  commence   the  preparation  of  the  site  for the construction of a major utility   transmission facility in the  state  without  having  first  obtained  a   certificate of environmental compatibility and public need (hereafter in this  article  called  a  "certificate")  issued  with  respect  to such   facility by the  commission.  The  replacement  of  existing  with  like   facilities,  as  determined  by the commission, shall not constitute the   construction of a major utility transmission facility. Any facility with   respect to which a certificate is required shall  thereafter  be  built,   maintained  and  operated  in  conformity  with such certificate and any   terms, limitations or conditions contained therein.   A certificate  may   only be issued pursuant to this article.
    2.  A  certificate  may be transferred, subject to the approval of the   commission, to a person who agrees to comply with the terms, limitations   and conditions contained therein.
    3. A certificate issued hereunder may be amended as herein provided.
    4. This article shall not apply  to  any  major  utility  transmission   facility:
    a.  For  which,  on  or before July first, nineteen hundred seventy an   application has been made for a license,  permit,  consent  or  approval   from any federal, state or local commission, agency, board or regulatory   body,   in   which   application  the  location  of  the  major  utility transmission facility has been designated by the applicant;
    b. The construction of which has been approved by  a  municipality  or   public  benefit  corporation  which  has sold bonds or bond anticipation   notes on or before July first, nineteen hundred seventy, the proceeds or   part of the proceeds of which are to be used in payment therefor; or
    c. Over which any agency or department of the federal  government  has   exclusive  jurisdiction, or has jurisdiction concurrent with that of the   state  and  has  exercised  such  jurisdiction,  to  the  exclusion   of   regulation of the facility by the state.
    5.  Any  person  intending  to  construct a major utility transmission   facility excluded from this article pursuant  to  subdivision  four  may   elect to waive such exclusion by delivering notice of such waiver to the   commission.  This  article  shall thereafter apply to each major utility transmission facility identified in such notice from  the  date  of  its   receipt by the commission


N.Y. Public Service LAW § 121-a : NY Code - Section 121-A: Procedures with respect to certain fuel gas transmission lines
  1. All persons who intend  to  construct  fuel  gas  transmission   lines  as  described  in this section shall file with the commission for   its approval the standards  and  practices  which  will  be  applied  to   environmental  management  and  construction  of all such lines or shall   file  a  certified  statement  agreeing  to  construct  such  lines   in   accordance  with  standards  and  practices  on file and approved by the   commission.
    2. A notice of intention to construct a fuel gas transmission line  as   described  in  subdivision  two  of  section  one  hundred twenty, which   extends a distance of less than five miles and which is  six  inches  or   less  in  nominal diameter, shall be filed with the commission and shall   contain:
    (a) the date  on  or  about  which  the  applicant  intends  to  begin   construction of the line;
    (b) a brief statement describing and locating the line;
    (c)  an  indication  of  the  approved  environmental  management  and   construction standards and practices that will be followed in an  effort   to minimize or avoid adverse environmental impacts to the maximum extent   practicable.
    A  copy  of  such notice shall be served on each municipality in which  any portion of such line is to be located and  proof  of  service  shall  accompany the notice filed with the commission.
    3.  An  application  to  construct  a  fuel  gas  transmission line as   described in subdivision  two  of  section  one  hundred  twenty,  which   extends  a  distance of less than ten miles, other than a line described   in subdivision two of this section, shall be filed with  the  commission and shall contain:
    (a)  the  information  required by paragraphs (a), (b), (d) and (f) of   subdivision one of section one hundred twenty-two;
    (b) the description of the ecosystem, land use,  visual  and  cultural   resources which would be affected by the line; and
    (c)  an  indication  of  the  approved  environmental  management  and  construction standards and practices that will be followed in an  effort  to minimize or avoid adverse environmental impacts to the maximum extent  practicable.
    A  copy  of such application shall be served on: (i) the department of   environmental conservation;  (ii)  the  department  of  agriculture  and   markets;  and  (iii) each municipality in which any portion of such line   is to be located; and proof of service shall accompany  the  application   filed  with  the  commission.  The commission shall serve a copy of such   application on such other person or entities as the commission may  deem   appropriate.  Such action shall be deemed compliance with the applicable   provisions of section  one  hundred  twenty-two  of  this  article.  The   applicant,  the commission and those served shall constitute the parties   notwithstanding the provisions of section one hundred twenty-four.
    4. If the notice or the application filed pursuant to subdivisions two  or  three  of  this  section  respectively  does  not  comply  with  the   requirements  of such subdivision, the commission or its designee shall,   promptly, but in no event more than fourteen days from the date on which
  it receives the notice or application, advise the person in  writing  of noncompliance and how to comply.
     5. Any person may file comments on an application with the commission.  The  record  of the certification proceeding under subdivision seven may   be limited to the application, any comments filed by the parties and any   report prepared by the  staff  of  the  department  of  public  service,  whether or not it acts as a party.
    6.  Upon  receipt  of a notice with respect to a fuel gas transmission  line that complies with subdivision two of this section, the  commission   shall,  within  thirty  days  or  less,  determine  whether  there  is a   substantial public interest requiring that the facility be  reviewed  in  accordance with the provisions of subdivision seven of this section.  If   the  commission  determines  that  such  review is not required it shall    issue a certificate authorizing such construction. Failure to act within
  such thirty day period shall constitute a certificate for the purpose of   this article. If the commission determines that such review is required,   the commission shall serve a copy of the notice which  shall  constitute   the  application,  on such person or entities as the commission may deem
  appropriate and which shall be deemed  compliance  with  the  applicable   provisions  of  section  one  hundred  twenty-two  of  this article. The   applicant and such persons or entities shall constitute the parties, the   provisions of section one hundred twenty-four notwithstanding.
    7. The commission shall render a decision upon the record within sixty   days from the date on which it receives an  application  complying  with   subdivision  three  or  within  sixty  days  from  the  date on which it   receives a notice complying with subdivision two on which it has made  a
  determination  that  review  under  this  subdivision  is  in the public   interest. Where the commission has required a hearing it may extend  the   time  required  to  render  a  decision.  In rendering its decision on a   notice filed  pursuant  to  subdivision  two  and  reviewed  under  this
  subdivision,  the commission is required to find and determine only that   the construction of a fuel gas transmission line will minimize or  avoid   adverse  environmental  impacts  to  the  maximum extent practicable. In   rendering its decision on an application filed pursuant  to  subdivision
  three,  the  commission  shall  make only the determinations required by   paragraphs (a), (b), (e), (f) and (g) of subdivision one of section  one   hundred twenty-six.



N.Y. PBS. LAW § 122 : NY Code - Section 122: Application for a certificate

1. An applicant for a certificate shall file with the commission an application, in such form as the commission may prescribe, containing the following information: (a) the location of the site or right-of-way; (b) a description of the transmission facility to be built thereon; (c) a summary of any studies which have been made of the environmental impact of the project, and a description of such studies; (d) a statement explaining the need for the facility; (e) a description of any reasonable alternate location or locations for the proposed facility, a description of the comparative merits and detriments of each location submitted, and a statement of the reasons why the primary proposed location is best suited for the facility; and (f) such other information as the applicant may consider relevant or the commission may by regulation require. Copies of all the studies referred to in (c) above shall be filed with the commission and shall be available for public inspection.
2. Each application shall be accompanied by proof of service of: (a) a copy of such application on i. each municipality in which any portion of such facility is to be located, both as primarily proposed and in the alternative locations listed. Notice to a municipality shall be addressed to the chief executive officer thereof and shall specify the date on or about which the application is to be filed; ii. the commissioner of environmental conservation, the commissioner of commerce, the secretary of state, the commissioner of agriculture and markets and the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation; iii. each member of the legislature through whose district the facility or any alternate proposed in the application would pass; iv. in the event such facility or any portion thereof is located within its jurisdiction, the Tug Hill commission. v. in the event such facility or any portion thereof is located within the Adirondack park, as defined in subdivision one of section 9--0101 of the environmental conservation law, the Adirondack park agency. (b) a notice of such application on persons residing in municipalities entitled to receive notice under subparagraph i. of paragraph a. Such notice shall be given by the publication of a summary of the application and the date on or about which it will be filed, to be published under regulations to be promulgated by the commission, in such form and in such newspapers as will serve substantially to inform the public of such application.

3. Inadvertent failure of service on any of the municipalities, persons, agencies, bodies or commissions named in subdivision two may be cured pursuant to regulations of the commission designed to afford such persons adequate notice to enable them to participate effectively in the proceeding. In addition, the commission may, after filing, require the applicant to serve notice of the application or copies thereof or both upon such other persons and file proof thereof as the commission may deem appropriate.

4. An application for an amendment of a certificate shall be in such form and contain such information as the commission shall prescribe. Notice of such an application shall be given as set forth in subdivision two.

5. (a) For every application deemed complete by the commission after the effective date of this subdivision, each application shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount equal to: for electric major utility transmission facilities of one hundred twenty-five kilovolts or more extending a distance of over one hundred miles, four hundred fifty thousand dollars; for electric major utility transmission facilities of one hundred twenty-five kilovolts or more extending a distance of over fifty miles to one hundred miles, three hundred fifty thousand dollars; for electric major utility transmission facilities, requiring a new right of way and one hundred twenty-five kilovolts or more extending a distance of ten miles to fifty miles, one hundred thousand dollars; for electric major utility transmission facilities utilizing an existing right of way and one hundred twenty-five kilovolts or more extending a distance of ten miles to fifty miles, fifty thousand dollars. All such fees shall be deposited in the intervenor account, established pursuant to section ninety-seven-tt of the state finance law, to be disbursed at the commission's direction, to defray expenses incurred by municipal and other parties to the proceeding (except a municipality which is the applicant) for expert witness, consultant, administrative and legal fees, provided, however, such expenses shall not be available for judicial review. If at any time subsequent to the filing of the application, the application is amended in a manner that warrants substantial additional scrutiny, the commission may require an additional intervenor fee in an amount not to exceed one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars. The commission shall provide for transcripts, the reproduction and service of documents, and the publication of required notices, for municipal and other local parties, in all appropriate languages. Any moneys remaining in the intervenor account after the commission's jurisdiction over an application has ceased shall be returned to the applicant. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the commission shall provide by rules and regulations for the management of the intervenor account and for disbursements from the account, which rules and regulations shall be consistent with the purpose of this section to make available to municipal parties at least one-half of the amount of the intervenor account and for uses specified in paragraph (a) of this subdivision. In addition, the commission shall provide other parties up to one-half of the amount of the intervenor account, provided, however, that the commission shall assure that the purposes for which moneys in the intervenor account will be expended will contribute to an informed decision as to the appropriateness of the site and facility and are made available on an equitable basis in a manner which facilitates broad public participation.

N.Y. PBS. LAW § 122 : NY Code - Section 122: Application for a certificate

Search N.Y. PBS. LAW § 122 : NY Code - Section 122: Application for a certificate

1.  An  applicant  for  a
  certificate shall file with the commission an application, in such  form
  as  the  commission may prescribe, containing the following information:
  (a) the location of the site or right-of-way; (b) a description  of  the
  transmission  facility to be built thereon; (c) a summary of any studies
  which have been made of the environmental impact of the project,  and  a
  description of such studies; (d) a statement explaining the need for the
  facility;  (e)  a  description  of  any reasonable alternate location or
  locations for the proposed facility, a description  of  the  comparative
  merits and detriments of each location submitted, and a statement of the
  reasons  why  the  primary  proposed  location  is  best  suited for the
  facility; and (f) such other information as the applicant  may  consider
  relevant  or the commission may by regulation require. Copies of all the
  studies referred to in (c) above shall be filed with the commission  and
  shall be available for public inspection.
    2. Each application shall be accompanied by proof of service of: (a) a
  copy of such application on
    i.  each  municipality  in which any portion of such facility is to be
  located, both as primarily proposed and  in  the  alternative  locations
  listed.  Notice  to  a  municipality  shall  be  addressed  to the chief
  executive officer thereof and shall specify the date on or  about  which
  the application is to be filed;
    ii.  the  commissioner of environmental conservation, the commissioner
  of commerce, the secretary of state, the commissioner of agriculture and
  markets  and  the  commissioner  of  parks,  recreation   and   historic
  preservation;
    iii.  each  member  of  the  legislature  through  whose  district the
  facility or any alternate proposed in the application would pass;
    iv. in the event such facility  or  any  portion  thereof  is  located
  within its jurisdiction, the Tug Hill commission.
    v. in the event such facility or any portion thereof is located within
  the Adirondack park, as defined in subdivision one of section 9--0101 of
  the environmental conservation law, the Adirondack park agency.
    (b) a notice of such application on persons residing in municipalities
  entitled  to  receive  notice under subparagraph i. of paragraph a. Such
  notice shall be given by the publication of a summary of the application
  and the date on or about which it will be filed, to be  published  under
  regulations  to  be  promulgated  by the commission, in such form and in
  such newspapers as will serve substantially to inform the public of such
  application.
    3. Inadvertent failure  of  service  on  any  of  the  municipalities,
  persons, agencies, bodies or commissions named in subdivision two may be
  cured  pursuant to regulations of the commission designed to afford such
  persons adequate notice to enable them to participate effectively in the
  proceeding. In addition, the commission may, after filing,  require  the
  applicant  to  serve notice of the application or copies thereof or both
  upon such other persons and file proof thereof  as  the  commission  may
  deem appropriate.
    4.  An  application for an amendment of a certificate shall be in such
  form and contain such information as  the  commission  shall  prescribe.
  Notice of such an application shall be given as set forth in subdivision
  two.
    5.  (a)  For every application deemed complete by the commission after
  the effective date  of  this  subdivision,  each  application  shall  be
  accompanied  by  a fee in an amount equal to: for electric major utility
  transmission facilities of one hundred  twenty-five  kilovolts  or  more
  extending  a  distance  of  over  one  hundred miles, four hundred fifty
  thousand dollars; for electric major utility transmission facilities  of

  one  hundred  twenty-five kilovolts or more extending a distance of over
  fifty miles to one hundred miles, three hundred fifty thousand  dollars;
  for  electric  major  utility  transmission  facilities, requiring a new
  right  of  way and one hundred twenty-five kilovolts or more extending a
  distance of ten miles to fifty miles, one hundred thousand dollars;  for
  electric  major  utility  transmission  facilities utilizing an existing
  right of way and one hundred twenty-five kilovolts or more  extending  a
  distance  of  ten miles to fifty miles, fifty thousand dollars. All such
  fees shall be deposited in the intervenor account, established  pursuant
  to  section ninety-seven-tt of the state finance law, to be disbursed at
  the commission's direction, to defray expenses incurred by municipal and
  other parties to the proceeding (except  a  municipality  which  is  the
  applicant)  for  expert  witness,  consultant,  administrative and legal
  fees, provided, however,  such  expenses  shall  not  be  available  for
  judicial  review.  If  at  any  time  subsequent  to  the  filing of the
  application, the application  is  amended  in  a  manner  that  warrants
  substantial   additional   scrutiny,   the  commission  may  require  an
  additional intervenor fee  in  an  amount  not  to  exceed  one  hundred
  twenty-five   thousand   dollars.   The  commission  shall  provide  for
  transcripts,  the  reproduction  and  service  of  documents,  and   the
  publication  of required notices, for municipal and other local parties,
  in all appropriate languages. Any moneys  remaining  in  the  intervenor
  account  after  the  commission's  jurisdiction  over an application has
  ceased shall be returned to the applicant.
    (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to  the  contrary,  the
  commission  shall provide by rules and regulations for the management of
  the intervenor account and for disbursements  from  the  account,  which
  rules  and  regulations  shall  be  consistent  with the purpose of this
  section to make available to municipal parties at least one-half of  the
  amount of the intervenor account and for uses specified in paragraph (a)
  of  this  subdivision.  In  addition, the commission shall provide other
  parties up  to  one-half  of  the  amount  of  the  intervenor  account,
  provided,  however,  that  the commission shall assure that the purposes
  for which moneys  in  the  intervenor  account  will  be  expended  will
  contribute to an informed decision as to the appropriateness of the site
  and  facility  and  are made available on an equitable basis in a manner
  which facilitates broad public participation.
- See more at: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/PBS/7/122#sthash.bBLKV60H.dpuf

N.Y. PBS. LAW § 122 : NY Code - Section 122: Application for a certificate

Search N.Y. PBS. LAW § 122 : NY Code - Section 122: Application for a certificate

1.  An  applicant  for  a
  certificate shall file with the commission an application, in such  form
  as  the  commission may prescribe, containing the following information:
  (a) the location of the site or right-of-way; (b) a description  of  the
  transmission  facility to be built thereon; (c) a summary of any studies
  which have been made of the environmental impact of the project,  and  a
  description of such studies; (d) a statement explaining the need for the
  facility;  (e)  a  description  of  any reasonable alternate location or
  locations for the proposed facility, a description  of  the  comparative
  merits and detriments of each location submitted, and a statement of the
  reasons  why  the  primary  proposed  location  is  best  suited for the
  facility; and (f) such other information as the applicant  may  consider
  relevant  or the commission may by regulation require. Copies of all the
  studies referred to in (c) above shall be filed with the commission  and
  shall be available for public inspection.
    2. Each application shall be accompanied by proof of service of: (a) a
  copy of such application on
    i.  each  municipality  in which any portion of such facility is to be
  located, both as primarily proposed and  in  the  alternative  locations
  listed.  Notice  to  a  municipality  shall  be  addressed  to the chief
  executive officer thereof and shall specify the date on or  about  which
  the application is to be filed;
    ii.  the  commissioner of environmental conservation, the commissioner
  of commerce, the secretary of state, the commissioner of agriculture and
  markets  and  the  commissioner  of  parks,  recreation   and   historic
  preservation;
    iii.  each  member  of  the  legislature  through  whose  district the
  facility or any alternate proposed in the application would pass;
    iv. in the event such facility  or  any  portion  thereof  is  located
  within its jurisdiction, the Tug Hill commission.
    v. in the event such facility or any portion thereof is located within
  the Adirondack park, as defined in subdivision one of section 9--0101 of
  the environmental conservation law, the Adirondack park agency.
    (b) a notice of such application on persons residing in municipalities
  entitled  to  receive  notice under subparagraph i. of paragraph a. Such
  notice shall be given by the publication of a summary of the application
  and the date on or about which it will be filed, to be  published  under
  regulations  to  be  promulgated  by the commission, in such form and in
  such newspapers as will serve substantially to inform the public of such
  application.
    3. Inadvertent failure  of  service  on  any  of  the  municipalities,
  persons, agencies, bodies or commissions named in subdivision two may be
  cured  pursuant to regulations of the commission designed to afford such
  persons adequate notice to enable them to participate effectively in the
  proceeding. In addition, the commission may, after filing,  require  the
  applicant  to  serve notice of the application or copies thereof or both
  upon such other persons and file proof thereof  as  the  commission  may
  deem appropriate.
    4.  An  application for an amendment of a certificate shall be in such
  form and contain such information as  the  commission  shall  prescribe.
  Notice of such an application shall be given as set forth in subdivision
  two.
    5.  (a)  For every application deemed complete by the commission after
  the effective date  of  this  subdivision,  each  application  shall  be
  accompanied  by  a fee in an amount equal to: for electric major utility
  transmission facilities of one hundred  twenty-five  kilovolts  or  more
  extending  a  distance  of  over  one  hundred miles, four hundred fifty
  thousand dollars; for electric major utility transmission facilities  of

  one  hundred  twenty-five kilovolts or more extending a distance of over
  fifty miles to one hundred miles, three hundred fifty thousand  dollars;
  for  electric  major  utility  transmission  facilities, requiring a new
  right  of  way and one hundred twenty-five kilovolts or more extending a
  distance of ten miles to fifty miles, one hundred thousand dollars;  for
  electric  major  utility  transmission  facilities utilizing an existing
  right of way and one hundred twenty-five kilovolts or more  extending  a
  distance  of  ten miles to fifty miles, fifty thousand dollars. All such
  fees shall be deposited in the intervenor account, established  pursuant
  to  section ninety-seven-tt of the state finance law, to be disbursed at
  the commission's direction, to defray expenses incurred by municipal and
  other parties to the proceeding (except  a  municipality  which  is  the
  applicant)  for  expert  witness,  consultant,  administrative and legal
  fees, provided, however,  such  expenses  shall  not  be  available  for
  judicial  review.  If  at  any  time  subsequent  to  the  filing of the
  application, the application  is  amended  in  a  manner  that  warrants
  substantial   additional   scrutiny,   the  commission  may  require  an
  additional intervenor fee  in  an  amount  not  to  exceed  one  hundred
  twenty-five   thousand   dollars.   The  commission  shall  provide  for
  transcripts,  the  reproduction  and  service  of  documents,  and   the
  publication  of required notices, for municipal and other local parties,
  in all appropriate languages. Any moneys  remaining  in  the  intervenor
  account  after  the  commission's  jurisdiction  over an application has
  ceased shall be returned to the applicant.
    (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to  the  contrary,  the
  commission  shall provide by rules and regulations for the management of
  the intervenor account and for disbursements  from  the  account,  which
  rules  and  regulations  shall  be  consistent  with the purpose of this
  section to make available to municipal parties at least one-half of  the
  amount of the intervenor account and for uses specified in paragraph (a)
  of  this  subdivision.  In  addition, the commission shall provide other
  parties up  to  one-half  of  the  amount  of  the  intervenor  account,
  provided,  however,  that  the commission shall assure that the purposes
  for which moneys  in  the  intervenor  account  will  be  expended  will
  contribute to an informed decision as to the appropriateness of the site
  and  facility  and  are made available on an equitable basis in a manner
  which facilitates broad public participation.
- See more at: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/PBS/7/122#sthash.bBLKV60H.dpuf






N.Y. PBS. LAW § 122 : NY Code - Section 122: Application for a certificate

Search N.Y. PBS. LAW § 122 : NY Code - Section 122: Application for a certificate

1.  An  applicant  for  a
  certificate shall file with the commission an application, in such  form
  as  the  commission may prescribe, containing the following information:
  (a) the location of the site or right-of-way; (b) a description  of  the
  transmission  facility to be built thereon; (c) a summary of any studies
  which have been made of the environmental impact of the project,  and  a
  description of such studies; (d) a statement explaining the need for the
  facility;  (e)  a  description  of  any reasonable alternate location or
  locations for the proposed facility, a description  of  the  comparative
  merits and detriments of each location submitted, and a statement of the
  reasons  why  the  primary  proposed  location  is  best  suited for the
  facility; and (f) such other information as the applicant  may  consider
  relevant  or the commission may by regulation require. Copies of all the
  studies referred to in (c) above shall be filed with the commission  and
  shall be available for public inspection.
    2. Each application shall be accompanied by proof of service of: (a) a
  copy of such application on
    i.  each  municipality  in which any portion of such facility is to be
  located, both as primarily proposed and  in  the  alternative  locations
  listed.  Notice  to  a  municipality  shall  be  addressed  to the chief
  executive officer thereof and shall specify the date on or  about  which
  the application is to be filed;
    ii.  the  commissioner of environmental conservation, the commissioner
  of commerce, the secretary of state, the commissioner of agriculture and
  markets  and  the  commissioner  of  parks,  recreation   and   historic
  preservation;
    iii.  each  member  of  the  legislature  through  whose  district the
  facility or any alternate proposed in the application would pass;
    iv. in the event such facility  or  any  portion  thereof  is  located
  within its jurisdiction, the Tug Hill commission.
    v. in the event such facility or any portion thereof is located within
  the Adirondack park, as defined in subdivision one of section 9--0101 of
  the environmental conservation law, the Adirondack park agency.
    (b) a notice of such application on persons residing in municipalities
  entitled  to  receive  notice under subparagraph i. of paragraph a. Such
  notice shall be given by the publication of a summary of the application
  and the date on or about which it will be filed, to be  published  under
  regulations  to  be  promulgated  by the commission, in such form and in
  such newspapers as will serve substantially to inform the public of such
  application.
    3. Inadvertent failure  of  service  on  any  of  the  municipalities,
  persons, agencies, bodies or commissions named in subdivision two may be
  cured  pursuant to regulations of the commission designed to afford such
  persons adequate notice to enable them to participate effectively in the
  proceeding. In addition, the commission may, after filing,  require  the
  applicant  to  serve notice of the application or copies thereof or both
  upon such other persons and file proof thereof  as  the  commission  may
  deem appropriate.
    4.  An  application for an amendment of a certificate shall be in such
  form and contain such information as  the  commission  shall  prescribe.
  Notice of such an application shall be given as set forth in subdivision
  two.
    5.  (a)  For every application deemed complete by the commission after
  the effective date  of  this  subdivision,  each  application  shall  be
  accompanied  by  a fee in an amount equal to: for electric major utility
  transmission facilities of one hundred  twenty-five  kilovolts  or  more
  extending  a  distance  of  over  one  hundred miles, four hundred fifty
  thousand dollars; for electric major utility transmission facilities  of

  one  hundred  twenty-five kilovolts or more extending a distance of over
  fifty miles to one hundred miles, three hundred fifty thousand  dollars;
  for  electric  major  utility  transmission  facilities, requiring a new
  right  of  way and one hundred twenty-five kilovolts or more extending a
  distance of ten miles to fifty miles, one hundred thousand dollars;  for
  electric  major  utility  transmission  facilities utilizing an existing
  right of way and one hundred twenty-five kilovolts or more  extending  a
  distance  of  ten miles to fifty miles, fifty thousand dollars. All such
  fees shall be deposited in the intervenor account, established  pursuant
  to  section ninety-seven-tt of the state finance law, to be disbursed at
  the commission's direction, to defray expenses incurred by municipal and
  other parties to the proceeding (except  a  municipality  which  is  the
  applicant)  for  expert  witness,  consultant,  administrative and legal
  fees, provided, however,  such  expenses  shall  not  be  available  for
  judicial  review.  If  at  any  time  subsequent  to  the  filing of the
  application, the application  is  amended  in  a  manner  that  warrants
  substantial   additional   scrutiny,   the  commission  may  require  an
  additional intervenor fee  in  an  amount  not  to  exceed  one  hundred
  twenty-five   thousand   dollars.   The  commission  shall  provide  for
  transcripts,  the  reproduction  and  service  of  documents,  and   the
  publication  of required notices, for municipal and other local parties,
  in all appropriate languages. Any moneys  remaining  in  the  intervenor
  account  after  the  commission's  jurisdiction  over an application has
  ceased shall be returned to the applicant.
    (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to  the  contrary,  the
  commission  shall provide by rules and regulations for the management of
  the intervenor account and for disbursements  from  the  account,  which
  rules  and  regulations  shall  be  consistent  with the purpose of this
  section to make available to municipal parties at least one-half of  the
  amount of the intervenor account and for uses specified in paragraph (a)
  of  this  subdivision.  In  addition, the commission shall provide other
  parties up  to  one-half  of  the  amount  of  the  intervenor  account,
  provided,  however,  that  the commission shall assure that the purposes
  for which moneys  in  the  intervenor  account  will  be  expended  will
  contribute to an informed decision as to the appropriateness of the site
  and  facility  and  are made available on an equitable basis in a manner
  which facilitates broad public participation.
- See more at: http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/PBS/7/122#sthash.bBLKV60H.dpuf

 

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