replacement units; certificates; environmental compatibility

HB 2389 streamlines environmental review for utility infrastructure replacements by creating exceptions to the standard certificate of environmental compatibility requirement. It allows utilities to replace transmission line conductors/wires or adjacent power plants without new approvals, provided they meet specific conditions: 30-day notice, a public comment session, maintaining total power capacity, and replacing within sites that previously had environmental approvals (or existed before 1971). This directly affects electric utilities planning infrastructure upgrades and the Arizona Corporation Commission overseeing these reviews. The bill modifies existing rules to reduce administrative burden for routine replacements while maintaining environmental safeguards through public engagement and capacity requirements.