SUMMARY

This bill establishes the principle that a proponent of a project that requires review and approval and that affects the public interest or the environment should assist with funding for intervenors. The bill will assist intervenors with a record of responsible representation of a facet of the public interest to put their arguments respecting the project before the approving authority.

The authority appoints a funding panel to determine who will benefit from the project, hear applications for funding from intervenors, and determine who should be funded. Intervenors have to establish a serious interest, be prepared to cooperate with others with similar interests and account for any funding provided.