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Minutes for HB2321 - Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
Short Title
Requiring electric public utilities to notify cities prior to construction of urban electric transmission lines.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 18, 2021
Vice Chair Schreiber asked the committee to review the minutes of February 16, 2021 meeting. Representative Gartner moved that the minutes of February 16, 2021 be approved as written. Representative Delperdang seconded the motion. The minutes were approved without objection.
Vice Chair Schreiber opened the hearing on HB2321.
Nick Myers, Assistant Revisor, gave the Revisor's explanation. Nick Myers stood for questions, and responded to the questions addressed.
PROPONENTS
Gail Finney, Representative 84th District, appeared before the Committee in support of HB2321 to require more communication and accountability of the utility companies. Ms Finney stood for questions. Ms Finney felt that some of the questions raised could be addressed in the balloon amendment proposed for this bill. She asked if the Revisor would share the amendment with the committee. (Attachment 1)
Nick Myers gave the balloon amendment explanation. The Revisor stood for questions on the balloon amendment. Questions from the committee were addressed.
LaWanda DeShazer, Community Advocate, Wichita, appeared before the Committee in support of HB2321 She says HB2321 insures that communities are fully aware of equipment being installed and have a voice to express concerns. (Attachment 2) Ms DeShazer stood for questions. No questions were presented.
Dr Glenda Overstreet Vaughn, Kansas State NAACP, appeared before the Committee in support of HB2321, and looks forward to the enhanced relationship building with the community by Evergy moving forward. (Attachment 3) Dr Vaughn stood for questions. Questions from the committee were addressed.
Brandon J Johnson, Vice Mayor, City of Wichita appeared before the Committee in support of HB2321 This is a great step in making progress on this issue. (Attachment 4) Mr Johnson stood for questions. Questions from the committee were addressed.
Vice Chair drew the committee's attention to the written only proponent testimony provided by:
WRITTEN:
David Nickel, C.U.R.B (Attachment 5)
Barbara Johnston, Lawrence Branch NAACP (Attachment 6)
Jeanne Klein, Lawrence.(A ttachment 7)
Seeing no additional proponents, Vice Chair Schreiber closed the proponent portion of the hearing.
We will now open the opponent portion of the hearing on HB2321.
Seeing no opponents, Vice Chair Schreiber closed the opponent portion of the hearing.
We will now open the neutral portion of the hearing on HB2321.
NEUTRAL
Bruce Akin, Evergy, appeared before the Committee as a neutral of HB2321. Evergy is grateful for the patience and understanding of residents in the Wichita neighborhood where this transmission line is located, the feedback has made a difference and we will continue working together. (Attachment 8)
Mr Akin stood for questions. Questions from the committee were addressed.
Leo Haynos, Kansas Corporation Commission,appeared before the Committee as a neutral of HB2321. Mr Haynos explained the highlight of the KCC's role in siting of electric transmission lines, and its notice process regarding electric power line construction. (Attachment 9) Mr Haynos stood for questions. Questions from the committee were addressed.
Vice Chair Schreiber drew the committee's attention to the written testimony neutral testimony
WRITTEN
Leslie Kaufman, Kansas Electric Coop. (Attachment 10)
Seeing no additional neutral testimony, Vice Chair Schreiber closed the neutral portion of the hearing
No additional Amendments.
Vice Chair Schreiber officially closed the hearing on HB2321.
Wishing a couple committee members a happy birthday today! Leo Delperdang and Jesse Borjon!
Next meeting is scheduled for February 23, 2021 where will will hear House Bill 2381. February 25th agenda has final action on bills previously heard.
Meeting Adjourned.
