C. Be prepared in cooperation with the appropriate natural resource protection agencies and the affected municipalities.

5. Commission approval of a proposed line. The commission may approve or disapprove all or portions of a proposed transmission line and shall make such orders regarding its character, size, installation and maintenance as are necessary, having regard for any increased costs caused by the orders.

6. Commission order; certificate of public convenience. In its order, the commission shall make specific findings with regard to the need for the proposed facilities. If the commission finds that a need exists, it shall issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the facilities. If the commission orders or allows the erection of the facilities, the order is subject to all other provisions of law and the right of any other agency to approve the facilities. The electric utility may submit a petition for and obtain approval of a proposed transmission line under this section before applying for approval under municipal ordinances adopted pursuant to Title 30-A, Part 2, Subpart 6-A; and Title 38, section 438-A and, except as provided in subsection 4, before identifying a specific route or route options for the proposed transmission line. Except as provided in subsection 4, the commission may not consider the petition insufficient for failure to provide identification of a route or route options for the proposed transmission line. The issuance of a certificate of public convenience and necessity establishes that, as of the date of issuance of the certificate, the decision by the utility to erect or construct was prudent. At the time of its issuance of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, the commission shall send to each municipality through which a proposed corridor or corridors for a transmission line extends a separate notice that the issuance of the certificate does not override, supersede or otherwise affect municipal authority to regulate the siting of the proposed transmission line.

7. Environmental protection agency modification. If the commission has issued a certificate of public convenience and necessity for proposed transmission or generating facilities and the Board of Environmental Protection in an order under Title 38, section 484, makes a modification in the location, size, character or design of the facilities, the company shall:

A. Deliver a copy of the order to the commission; and