3. Preliminary Scoping Memo

Rule 7.1(c) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure9 provides that an order instituting an investigation (OII) shall attach a preliminary scoping memo. Rule 7.1(d) imposes the same requirement on an order instituting rulemaking (OIR).

The goal of this combined Investigation and Rulemaking is to support California's RPS and emission reduction goals by identifying and undertaking improvements in the planning, permitting and development of transmission in California. Among other things, this Investigation and Rulemaking will consider changes to the CPUC's Streamlining Directives, including modifying the pre-filing procedures that were implemented in response to the Directives, and possibly making them mandatory for IOU applicants. It will also consider the development and adoption of environmental criteria for siting transmission projects to guide both the planners and permitters of transmission projects. This Investigation and Rulemaking will also address issues relevant to renewable energy transmission identified by parties to this proceeding or through RETI. Finally, this Investigation and Rulemaking will examine how best to meet the requirements of Public Utilities Code Section 1002.3.

The scope of this proceeding may include, but will not be limited to, the following areas and issues:

· What factors are currently slowing down the planning or permitting of transmission to support the development of renewable resources for California?

· What needs to be done to address those factors?

· What CPUC processes should be changed and how?

· Would it be advisable to amend the CPUC's pre-filing requirements in the Streamlining Directives and make them mandatory?10

· Do other agencies need to change any of their processes, and if so, how?

· Has the CPUC cost recovery regime been effective in supporting transmission to renewable resource areas?

· How could it be improved?

· Would adoption of environmental criteria, such as an explicit policy favoring use of existing rights of way, be useful to the siting and permitting of transmission projects?

· How, and to what extent, should RETI findings/information be incorporated into CPUC transmission application proceedings?

· Should RETI findings/information be incorporated into other CPUC proceedings, and if so, which ones and why?

· How should the Commission demonstrate compliance with § 1002.3 going forward, other than through the Commission's environmental analysis of a proposed transmission project?

We invite parties to comment on the range of issues identified above as well as make recommendations regarding additional issues to be included in this proceeding. In their comments, parties may state any objections to the order regarding the need for hearing, issues to be considered, or the proposed schedule.

9 All citations to Rules refer to the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, which are codified at Chapter 1, Division 1 of Title 20 of the California Code of Regulations.

10 See footnote 5, above.

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