The bill establishes new regulations for the construction and operation of wind turbine generators in Montana, specifically focusing on setback requirements and deicing standards. It mandates that any wind turbine generator that is 500 feet or taller must be located at least 1,500 feet away from occupied residences unless a shorter distance is approved by the property owner. Additionally, the bill requires that these turbines use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate icing risks during deicing processes if they are located within an area with an ice class rating of 4 or more and within 1,500 feet of an occupied residence.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing legal language related to wind energy agreements, removing several specific requirements that were previously mandated, such as notarization and detailed obligations of property owners regarding wind flow. The effective date for these new regulations is set for January 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to balance the development of wind energy projects with the protection of residential properties nearby.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 70-17-406
HB0939_1(1): 70-17-406
HB0939_1(2): 70-17-406
HB0939_1(3): 70-17-406
HB0939_1(4): 70-17-406
HB0939_1(5): 70-17-406
HB0939_1(6): 70-17-406
HB0939_1(7): 70-17-406
HB0939_1(8): 70-17-406
HB0939_1: 70-17-406
HB0939_2(1): 70-17-406
HB0939_2(2): 70-17-406
HB0939_2(3): 70-17-406
HB0939_2(4): 70-17-406
HB0939_2: 70-17-406
HB0939_3(1): 70-17-406
HB0939_3(10): 70-17-406
HB0939_3(11): 70-17-406
HB0939_3(2): 70-17-406
HB0939_3(3): 70-17-406
HB0939_3(4): 70-17-406
HB0939_3(5): 70-17-406
HB0939_3(6): 70-17-406
HB0939_3(7): 70-17-406
HB0939_3(8): 70-17-406
HB0939_3(9): 70-17-406
HB0939_3: 70-17-406