(a) On or before January 15, 2013, the Secretary of Natural Resources shall complete resource mapping based on the Geographic Information System (GIS). The mapping shall identify natural resources throughout the State that may be relevant to the consideration of energy projects. The Center for Geographic Information shall be available to provide assistance to the Secretary in carrying out the GIS-based resource mapping.

(b) The Secretary of Natural Resources shall consider the GIS-based 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. (Added 2011, No. 170 (Adj. Sess.), § 16c, eff. May 18, 2012.)