In contrast to the traditional licensing process described above, Applicants can utilize the Commission's alternative licensing process designed to improve communication among affected entities (
section 4.34(i) ;
order 596 [eLibrary]).
As part of the alternative licensing process, an applicant can:
- Tailor the pre-filing consultation process to the circumstances of each case;
- Combine into a single process the pre-filing consultation process and environmental review processes under the National Environmental Policy Act and other statutes; and
- Allow for preparation of a preliminary draft environmental assessment by an applicant or an environmental impact statement by a contractor chosen by the Commission and funded by the applicant.
The requirements of the alternative licensing process are found in
section 4.34(i) and discussed in detail in
order 596 [eLibrary].