§201-12.5  Renewable energy facilitator; establishment; duties.  (a)  There is established within the department of business, economic development, and tourism the position of renewable energy facilitator, which shall be a full-time, temporary position exempt from chapters 76 and 89.  The renewable energy facilitator shall possess a requisite level of knowledge and expertise in the areas of renewable energy, state and county permitting processes, and management necessary to carry out the duties of the position.

     (b)  The renewable energy facilitator shall have the following duties:

     (1)  Facilitate the efficient permitting of renewable energy projects, including:

          (A)  The land parcel on which the facility is situated;

          (B)  Any renewable energy production structure or equipment;

          (C)  Any energy transmission line from the facility to a public utility's electricity system; and

          (D)  Any on-site infrastructure necessary for the production of electricity or biofuel from the renewable energy site;

     (2)  Initiate the implementation of key renewable energy projects by permitting various efficiency improvement strategies identified by the department;

     (3)  Administer the day-to-day coordination for renewable energy projects on behalf of the department; and

     (4)  Submit periodic reports to the legislature on renewable energy facilitation activities.

     (c)  The renewable energy facilitator position shall be funded by the energy security special fund. [L 2008, c 208, §2; am L 2009, c 155, §6; am L 2016, c 27, §2]