1. (a) The commercial solar and wind energy ready communities development center may be established within the office. If established, the center has the following duties:

   1. (1) Providing comprehensive information concerning permits required for projects and related business activities in Indiana, and making the information available and easily accessible to:

      1. (A) project owners;
      2. (B) state and local government offices, departments, and administrative entities; and
      3. (C) the public.
   2. (2) Working with permit authorities to encourage the timely and efficient issuance of permits and the resolution of related issues.

2. (b) The center, if established, may create and administer:

   1. (1) a program for the certification of units as commercial solar energy ready communities under section 13 of this chapter; and
   2. (2) a program for the certification of units as wind energy ready communities under section 14 of this chapter.

3. (c) Notwithstanding:

   1. (1) section 13(a) or 13(b) of this chapter, the center, if established, may make a reasonable determination to certify a unit as a commercial solar energy ready community if the unit's commercial solar regulation under section 13(a) of this chapter or clear standards under section 13(b) of this chapter, as applicable, differ in one (1) or more respects from the standards set forth in section 13(a) or 13(b) of this chapter, as applicable; or

   2. (2) section 14(a) or 14(b) of this chapter, the center, if established, may make a reasonable determination to certify a unit as a wind energy ready community if the unit's wind power regulation under section 14(a) of this chapter or clear standards under section 14(b) of this chapter, as applicable, differ in one (1) or more respects from the standards set forth in section 14(a) or 14(b) of this chapter, as applicable;

      if the unit's commercial solar regulation, wind power regulation, or clear standards, as applicable, do not materially differ from applicable industry or regulatory standards, or otherwise materially affect the ability of a project owner to develop a project in the unit.

As added by P.L.50-2023, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.87-2024, SEC.3.