75-20-102. Policy and legislative findings. (1) It is the constitutionally declared policy of this state to maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations, to protect the environmental life-support system from degradation and prevent unreasonable depletion and degradation of natural resources, and to provide for administration and enforcement to attain these objectives.
     (2) The legislature finds that the construction of additional electric transmission facilities, pipeline facilities, or geothermal facilities may be necessary to meet the increasing need for electricity, energy, and other products and that these facilities have an effect on the environment, an impact on population concentration, and an effect on the welfare of the citizens of this state. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the location, construction, and operation of electric transmission facilities, pipeline facilities, or geothermal facilities will not produce unacceptable adverse effects on the environment and upon the citizens of this state by providing that a electric transmission facility, pipeline facility, or geothermal facility may not be constructed or operated within this state without a certificate of environmental compatibility acquired pursuant to this chapter.
     (3) The legislature also finds that it is the purpose of this chapter to:
     (a) ensure protection of the state's environmental resources, including but not limited to air, water, animals, plants, and soils;
     (b) ensure consideration of socioeconomic impacts;
     (c) provide citizens with the opportunity to participate in facility siting decisions; and
     (d) establish a coordinated and efficient method for the processing of all authorizations required for regulated facilities under this chapter.

     History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 327, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 494, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 70-802; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 329, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 293, L. 2001.