(a) The Commission shall use the following criteria to evaluate and compare applications for nuclear energy generation projects submitted during an application period under § 7-1212 of this subtitle: (1) the lowest cost impact on ratepayers of the price set under a proposed long-term pricing schedule; (2) potential reductions in transmission congestion prices within the State; (3) potential changes in capacity prices within the State; (4) potential reductions in locational marginal pricing; (5) potential long-term changes in capacity prices within the State from the project as it compares to conventional energy sources; (6) the extent to which the cost-benefit analysis submitted under § 7-1214 of this subtitle demonstrates positive net economic, environmental, and health benefits to the State; (7) the extent to which an applicant's plan for engaging small businesses meets the goals specified in Title 14, Subtitle 5 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; (8) the extent to which an applicant's plan provides for the use of skilled labor, particularly with regard to the construction and manufacturing components of the project, through outreach, hiring, or referral systems that are affiliated with registered apprenticeship programs under Title 11, Subtitle 4 of the Labor and Employment Article; (9) the extent to which an applicant's plan provides for the use of an agreement designed to ensure the use of skilled labor and to promote the prompt, efficient, and safe completion of the project, particularly with regard to the construction, manufacturing, and maintenance of the project; (10) the extent to which an applicant's plan provides for compensation to its employees and subcontractors consistent with wages outlined under Title 17, Subtitle 2 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; (11) siting and project feasibility; (12) the extent to which the project would require transmission or distribution infrastructure improvements in the State; and (13) any other criteria that the Commission determines are appropriate. (b) (1) In this paragraph, "minority" means an individual who is a member of any of the groups listed in § 14-301(k)(1)(i) of the State Finance and Procurement Article. (2) If an applicant is seeking investors in a proposed nuclear energy generation project, the applicant shall take the following steps before the Commission may approve the proposed project: (i) make serious, good-faith efforts to solicit and interview a reasonable number of minority investors; (ii) as part of the application, submit a statement to the Commission that lists the names and addresses of all minority investors interviewed and whether or not any of those investors have purchased an equity share in the entity submitting the application; (iii) sign a memorandum of understanding with the Commission that requires the applicant to again make serious, good-faith efforts to solicit and interview a reasonable number of minority investors in any future attempts to raise venture capital or attract new investors to the project; (iv) sign a memorandum of understanding with the Commission that requires the applicant to use best efforts and effective outreach to obtain, as a goal, contractors and subcontractors for the project that are minority business enterprises, to the extent practicable, as supported by a disparity study; and (v) sign a memorandum of understanding with the Commission and skilled labor organizations that requires the applicant to follow the portions of the applicant's plan that relate to the criteria set forth in subsection (a)(8) and (9) of this section. (3) The Governor's Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, shall provide assistance to all potential applicants and potential minority investors to satisfy the requirements under paragraph (2)(i) and (iii) of this subsection.
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