This bill amends Section 160.20 of Title 17 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to the construction of wind energy facilities and their setback requirements. The new provisions establish that, after June 1, 2025, no wind energy facility may be constructed if the base of any tower is located less than one and one-half nautical miles from the nearest point on the outside wall of any residential dwelling or from the nearest point of any nonparticipating property. Additionally, the bill updates the language regarding compliance attestation and jurisdiction for disputes, specifying that such disputes will fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of district courts.

The bill also modifies existing regulations concerning the construction and operation of wind turbines in relation to military installations. It requires that any individual wind turbine or structure requiring a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Form 7460-1 must not significantly impact military operations, and it mandates that a Determination of No Hazard from the FAA and documentation of resolved adverse impacts to the Department of Defense be submitted to the Corporation Commission and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in administrative penalties. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17-160.20