[§201N-8]  Environmental impact reviewprocess; applicability.  (a)  Chapter 343 shall apply to any permit planapplication for a renewable energy facility.

(b)  Notwithstanding any provision in thischapter or in chapter 343 to the contrary, the coordinator shall not accept apermit plan application for a renewable energy facility prior to the acceptanceof an environmental impact statement for the renewable energy facility.  Anagency may review and commence processing applications for permits for a renewableenergy facility prior to the acceptance of a permit plan by the coordinator,provided that action to grant or deny a permit shall not be taken until afterfinal acceptance of an environmental impact statement.

(c)  Notwithstanding any provision of chapter343 to the contrary, the department of business, economic development, andtourism shall be the accepting authority for any final environmental impactstatement that is prepared by an applicant for any renewable energy facilityunder this chapter. [L 2008, c 207, pt of §2]