Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the state corporation commission for electric generation, provides additional regulations for utilities, and restricts the powers of the secretary of health and environment to supervise the actions of those utilities.

Highlights:

- Prohibits the secretary of health and environment from exercising any enforcement powers that are more stringent than provided by federal law [sec. 19 (t) (1) (A)]. - Prohibits the secretary from denying an application for a permit if the requirements of this act have been met [sec. 19 (t) (C)]. - Allows for the reconsideration and review of any denial of permit issuance the secretary made since January 1, 2006 [sec. 19 (t) (3)]. - Establishes the Kansas state corporation commission for electric generation, transmission and efficiency study, composed of 11 members, and chaired by the chairperson of the House Committee on Energy and Utilities [sec. 1 (a-b)]. - Requires the commission to examine issues related to the economic, environmental, social, and fiscal impact of electricity generation. The commission must also submit a written report of activities and recommendations to the House and Senate Committees on Energy and Utilities [sec. 1 (c-d)]. - Requires that electric energy generation units used by a customer-generator meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by local and national codes [sec. 7 (a)]. - Requires that customer-generator systems greater than 10 kilowatts be given additional controls, perform or pay for additional tests or distribution equipment or purchase additional liability insurance [sec. 7 (c)]. - This is a substitute bill offered by the Senate Committee on Utilities.

Full Bill Text