Senate Bill 132 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to utility facilities, specifically focusing on the regulation and definition of solar and wind energy facilities. Key changes include the substitution of "wind energy" with "utility" in multiple sections, thereby broadening the scope of regulation to encompass both solar and wind energy. The bill introduces new definitions for "solar energy facility" and "solar energy facility expansion," clarifying what constitutes these facilities and their expansions. Additionally, it specifies that the chapter does not apply to local jurisdictions that have already adopted regulations for solar energy facilities before July 1, 2025, or to any solar energy facility constructed prior to that date.

The bill also outlines new provisions regarding the construction and operation of utility facilities, including setback requirements for wind turbines and solar arrays from non-participating landowners' property lines. It mandates that any wind turbine or solar array that ceases to generate electricity for 180 continuous days must be decommissioned unless otherwise mandated by law. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of risk assessment and mitigation for potential hazards associated with utility facilities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring that the regulatory framework for utility facilities is updated to reflect the growing importance of renewable energy sources in Tennessee.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 7-51-2202(e), 7-51-2202, 65-17-101(1)(A), 65-17-101, 65-17-101(1)(B), 65-17-101(6), 65-17-101(10), 65-17-101(11), 65-17-102(a), 65-17-102, 65-17-102(b), 65-17-104, 65-17-105(a), 65-17-105, 65-17-105(c), 65-17-105(d), 65-17-105(e)(1), 65-17-105(e)(2)(A), 65-17-105(e)(2)(B), 65-17-105(e)(2)(B)(v), 65-17-105(e)(2)(C), 65-17-105(e)(2)(E)(i), 65-17-105(e)(2)(F), 65-17-107, 65-17-110, 65-17-111