Signed by Governor Matt Meyer

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that authorizes counties to approve conditional use permits for electrical substations tied to large-scale renewable energy projects in heavy industrial zones in Delaware.

Highlights:

• Requires counties to approve conditional use permits for electrical substations if these conditions are met (Sec. 1): 

• The renewable energy project will generate 250 MW or more; 

• The substation in a heavy industrial zone;

• The substations are already permitted for conditional use in the zone; and

• The zone already has a 230 kV or greater substation.

• Establishes the law retroactively to applications submitted on or after August 8, 2023, that were initially denied but will now be automatically approved (Sec. 1). 

• Prohibits counties from changing zoning classifications to disqualify certain substation applications (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that authorizes counties to approve conditional use permits for electrical substations tied to large-scale renewable energy projects in heavy industrial zones in Delaware.

Highlights:

• Requires counties to approve conditional use permits for electrical substations if these conditions are met (Sec. 1): 

• The renewable energy project will generate 250 MW or more; 

• The substation in a heavy industrial zone;

• The substations are already permitted for conditional use in the zone; and

• The zone already has a 230 kV or greater substation.

• Establishes the law retroactively to applications submitted on or after August 8, 2023, that were initially denied but will now be automatically approved (Sec. 1). 

• Prohibits counties from changing zoning classifications to disqualify certain substation applications (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that authorizes counties to approve conditional use permits for electrical substations tied to large-scale renewable energy projects in heavy industrial zones in Delaware.

Highlights:

• Requires counties to approve conditional use permits for electrical substations if these conditions are met (Sec. 1): 

• The renewable energy project will generate 250 MW or more; 

• The substation in a heavy industrial zone;

• The substations are already permitted for conditional use in the zone; and

• The zone already has a 230 kV or greater substation.

• Establishes the law retroactively to applications submitted on or after August 8, 2023, that were initially denied but will now be automatically approved (Sec. 1). 

• Prohibits counties from changing zoning classifications to disqualify certain substation applications (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text