1 Energy Facility Siting; Counsel for the Public. Amend RSA 162-H:9, I to read as follows:

I. Upon notification that an application for a certificate has been filed with the committee in accordance with RSA 162-H:7, the attorney general shall appoint an assistant attorney general as a counsel for the public. The counsel shall represent the public in seeking to protect the quality of the environment and in seeking to assure an adequate supply of energy. The counsel shall be accorded all the rights and privileges, and responsibilities of an attorney representing a party in formal action and shall serve until the decision to issue or deny a certificate is final.

2 Siting of High Pressure Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas Tanks. Amend RSA 162-H:10-b, I to read as follows:

I. To meet the objectives of this chapter, and with due regard to meeting the energy needs of the residents and businesses of New Hampshire, the general court finds that appropriately sited high pressure gas pipelines subject to committee approval have the potential to assist the state in accomplishing these goals. Accordingly, the general court finds that it is in the public interest for the site evaluation committee to establish criteria or standards governing the siting of high pressure gas pipelines in order to ensure that the potential benefits of such systems are appropriately considered and unreasonable adverse effects avoided through a comprehensive, transparent, and predictable process. When establishing any criteria, standard, or rule for a high pressure gas pipeline or when specifying the type of information that a high pressure gas pipeline applicant shall provide to the committee for its decision-making, the committee shall rely upon the best available evidence.

3 Siting of High Pressure Gas Pipelines. Amend the introductory paragraph of RSA 162-H:10-b, II and II(a) to read as follows:

II. For the adoption of rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to the siting of high pressure gas pipelines , the committee shall address the following:

(a) Impacts to natural, scenic, recreational, visual, and cultural resources.

4 Siting of High Pressure Gas Pipelines. Amend RSA 162-H:10-b, II(g) and (h) to read as follows:

(g) Best practical measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects .

(h) Criteria to maintain property owners' ability to use and enjoy their property.

5 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

1 Energy Facility Siting; Counsel for the Public. Amend RSA 162-H:9, I to read as follows:

I. Upon notification that an application for a certificate has been filed with the committee in accordance with RSA 162-H:7, the attorney general shall appoint an assistant attorney general as a counsel for the public. The counsel shall represent the public in seeking to protect the quality of the environment and the economic interests of residents of the affected area, and in seeking to assure an adequate supply of energy. The counsel shall be accorded all the rights and privileges, and responsibilities of an attorney representing a party in formal action and shall serve until the decision to issue or deny a certificate is final.

2 Siting of High Pressure Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas Tanks. Amend RSA 162-H:10-b, I to read as follows:

I. To meet the objectives of this chapter, and with due regard to meeting the energy needs of the residents and businesses of New Hampshire, the general court finds that appropriately sited high pressure gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas tanks subject to committee approval have the potential to assist the state in accomplishing these goals. Accordingly, the general court finds that it is in the public interest for the site evaluation committee to establish criteria or standards governing the siting of high pressure gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas tanks in order to ensure that the potential benefits of such systems are appropriately considered and unreasonable adverse effects avoided through a comprehensive, transparent, and predictable process. When establishing any criteria, standard, or rule for a high pressure gas pipeline or a liquefied natural gas tank when specifying the type of information that a high pressure gas pipeline or a liquefied natural gas tank applicant shall provide to the committee for its decision-making, the committee shall rely upon the best available evidence.

3 Siting of High Pressure Gas Pipelines. Amend the introductory paragraph of RSA 162-H:10-b, II and II(a) to read as follows:

II. For the adoption of rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to the siting of high pressure gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas tanks , the committee shall address the following:

(a) Impacts to natural, scenic, recreational, visual, economic, and cultural resources.

4 Siting of High Pressure Gas Pipelines. Amend RSA 162-H:10-b, II(g) and (h) to read as follows:

(g) Best practical measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects , including economic effects .

(h) Criteria to maintain property owners' ability to use , enjoy and maintain the value of their property.

5 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.