SPONSOR: Van Schoiack
This bill prohibits a new "Wind Energy Conversion System", as defined in the bill, to begin commercial operations after August 28, 2026, unless that developer, owner, or operator applies to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for installation of a light-mitigating technology system. If the installation is approved by the FAA, the developer, owner, or operator of such wind energy conversion system must install the light-mitigating technology system on approved turbines within 24 months of approval.
Before August 28, 2034, any developer, owner, or operator of a commercial wind energy conversion system without a light- mitigating technology system must apply to the FAA for installation and operation of a system. If the installation is approved by the FAA, the developer, owner, or operator must install the system on approved turbines within 24 months of approval.
Any vendor selected for installation of a light-mitigating technology system must provide to the Department of Natural Resources notice of the progress of the installation of the system. If the installation is delayed beyond the 24-month requirement, the vendor must provide notice to the Department at least every three months, with an update on the reasons for the delay and current status of installation. Any costs associated with the installation, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the system must be the responsibility of the developer, owner, or operator of the wind energy conversion system.
Any developer, owner, or operator that is approved to install a light-mitigating system but does not, is liable for a fine of $5,000 per day, per turbine, until the system is installed.
This bill is the similar to HB 1263 and HB 1124 (2025).
Statutes affected: