(a)The Secretary of Natural Resources shall complete and maintain resource mapping based on the Geographic Information System (GIS) or other technology. The mapping shall identify natural resources throughout the State, including forest blocks and habitat connectors, that may be relevant to the consideration of energy projects and projects subject to chapter 151 of this title. The Center for Geographic Information shall be available to provide assistance to the Secretary in carrying out the resource mapping.
(b)The Secretary shall consider the resource maps developed under subsection (a) of this section when providing evidence and recommendations to the Public Utility Commission under 30 V.S.A. § 248(b)(5) and when commenting on or providing recommendations under chapter 151 of this titl
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(a) The Secretary of Natural Resources shall complete and maintain resource mapping based on the Geographic Information System (GIS) or other technology. The mapping shall identify natural resources throughout the State, including forest blocks and habitat connectors, that may be relevant to the consideration of energy projects and projects subject to chapter 151 of this title. The Center for Geographic Information shall be available to provide assistance to the Secretary in carrying out the resource mapping.
(b) The Secretary shall consider the resource maps developed under subsection (a) of this section when providing evidence and recommendations to the Public Utility Commission under 30 V.S.A. § 248(b)(5) and when commenting on or providing recommendations under chapter 151 of this title to District Commissions on other projects.
(c) The Secretary shall establish and maintain written procedures that include a process and science-based criteria for updating resource maps developed under subsection (a) of this section. Before establishing or revising these procedures, the Secretary shall provide opportunities for affected parties and the public to submit relevant information and recommendations. (Added 2011, No. 170 (Adj. Sess.), § 16c, eff. May 18, 2012; amended 2023, No. 181 (Adj. Sess.), § 15, eff. June 17, 2024.)