NRS704.825. Declaration of legislative findings and purpose.

      1.  The Legislature hereby finds and declares that:

      (a) There is at present and will continue to be a growing need for electric, gas and water services which will require the construction of new facilities. It is recognized that such facilities cannot be built without in some way affecting the physical environment where such facilities are located.

      (b) It is essential in the public interest to minimize any adverse effect upon the environment and upon the quality of life of the people of the State which such new facilities might cause.

      (c) Present laws and practices relating to the location of such utility facilities should be strengthened to protect environmental values and to take into account the total cost to society of such facilities.

      (d) Existing provisions of law may not provide adequate opportunity for natural persons, groups interested in conservation and the protection of the environment, state and regional agencies, local governments and other public bodies to participate in proceedings regarding the location and construction of major facilities.

      2.  The Legislature, therefore, hereby declares that it is the purpose of NRS 704.820 to 704.900, inclusive, to provide a forum for the expeditious resolution of all matters concerning the location and construction of electric, gas and water transmission lines and associated facilities.

      (Added to NRS by 1971, 554; A 1985, 2051; 1997, 489, 1914)