House Bill No. 2751 aims to regulate the construction and operation of wind turbines in Oklahoma by establishing setback requirements for certain affected counties. The bill defines "affected county" based on population density and average wind speed, and it specifies that towers associated with industrial wind turbines must be located at least two and a half times their tip height or one-quarter mile away from nearby properties, whichever is greater. Property owners can waive this setback requirement if their property is within the specified distance. Additionally, the bill allows for the continuation of these setback provisions unless a majority of voters in the county decide to modify or eliminate them through a referendum, which can occur no more than once every five years.
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is tasked with maintaining a publicly accessible database that tracks the status of setback provisions in each county, including any expiration dates. The bill emphasizes the need for uniformity in setback regulations to mitigate risks to persons and property from potential structural failures of wind turbines. Overall, the legislation seeks to balance the growth of the wind energy industry with the safety and concerns of local communities.