1.1.................... moves to amend H.F. No. 3125 as follows:
1.2Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

1.3    "Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 216E.03, is amended by adding a
1.4subdivision to read:
1.5    Subd. 7a. Preferred route for high-voltage transmission lines. In issuing a route
1.6permit for a high-voltage transmission line, the commission shall, consistent with the
1.7safe and efficient operation of transportation systems and a policy of prudent avoidance
1.8that minimizes the proximity of overhead high-voltage transmission lines to residences,
1.9schools, child care facilities, day camps, and hospitals, where avoidance is costless
1.10or can be achieved at little cost, give priority consideration to utilizing existing utility,
1.11highway, and publicly owned railway corridors. The term corridor means land in or in
1.12reasonable proximity to an existing utility, publicly owned railway or highway easement
1.13or right-of-way. The commission shall also give consideration to placing high-voltage
1.14transmission lines underground.
1.15EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

1.16    Sec. 2. TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTING; DEPARTMENT OF
1.17TRANSPORTATION ROLE.
1.18(a) The Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Transportation must
1.19cooperate to develop and implement procedures and policies to efficiently carry out the
1.20policy established in new Minnesota Statutes, section 216E.03, subdivision 7a, that assigns
1.21a preference for routing high-voltage transmission lines in highway rights-of-way. The
1.22policies and procedures must allow for the Department of Transportation's participation in
1.23the transmission planning and route permitting process in order to coordinate transmission
1.24routing with any applicable Department of Transportation permitting processes.
2.1(b) The Public Utilities Commission must report any statutory amendments required
2.2by the policies and procedures developed under paragraph (a) to the chairs and ranking
2.3minority members of the senate and house committees with primary jurisdiction over
2.4energy policy committees by January 15, 2011.
2.5EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment."