The proposed bill would significantly update current statutes regarding wind farm development and regulation by introducing new requirements and procedures. It would establish a new article in Title 30, Chapter 2, mandating that county planning and zoning commissions hold public hearings on wind farm permit applications within 90 days and implement extensive notification procedures for nearby landowners. Additionally, it would require financial surety from wind farm owners to cover cleanup and decommissioning costs, and it would prohibit the location of wind farms within six miles of residentially zoned properties without municipal approval from areas within 25 miles of the proposed site. The bill also emphasizes the necessity of environmental assessments and allows for public referendums against construction permits.

Moreover, the bill would create the Wind Farm Health Impacts Study Committee to evaluate health impacts, impose a six-month moratorium on the approval of construction permits to allow counties to adjust their regulations, and clarify conditions for project labor agreements. It would also modify the criteria for granting certificates of environmental compatibility, allowing for approval even if local compliance is deemed unreasonably restrictive. The act would not apply to projects already approved and under construction as of its effective date and includes a retroactive application clause effective from December 31, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-254.07, 19-144, 37-281.02, 37-286, 37-301, 37-461, 40-360.06, 11-805, 30-301, 42-14155, 11-882, 11-883, 11-884, 11-885, 12-1134, 30-303, 30-304, 37-107, 37-133
House Engrossed Version: 11-254.07, 19-144, 37-281.02, 37-286, 37-301, 37-461, 40-360.06, 11-805, 30-301, 42-14155, 11-882, 11-883, 11-884, 11-885, 12-1134, 30-303, 30-304, 37-107, 37-133