The proposed bill would significantly update current statutes related to the approval and regulation of wind farms. It introduces new requirements for the County Planning and Zoning Commission, mandating public hearings for wind farm permits and specific notification procedures to adjacent landowners and interested parties. The bill also requires wind farm owners to submit an indemnity bond to protect the county from claims related to the operation of the wind farm. Additionally, it establishes the Wind Farm Health Impacts Study Committee to evaluate health impacts and imposes restrictions on the location of wind farms near residential properties and municipalities.

Moreover, the bill clarifies that contractors cannot be forced into project labor agreements for project approval and ensures that environmental compatibility certificates comply with local ordinances unless deemed unreasonably restrictive. It introduces a six-month moratorium on the approval of construction permits to allow counties to align their regulations with the new law and explicitly states that it does not apply to wind farm projects already approved and under construction as of the effective date. The bill aims to enhance regulatory oversight, community involvement, and environmental protections while ensuring financial responsibilities for decommissioning are clearly defined.

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