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 all utility facilities, including solar 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 local governments can adopt their own regulations regarding the siting of solar energy facilities, provided these regulations were established before July 1, 2025.

The bill also outlines new setback requirements for wind turbines and solar arrays from non-participating landowners' property lines, as well as conditions for decommissioning facilities that cease to generate electricity for a specified period. It emphasizes the need for risk assessments and mitigation strategies for potential hazards associated with utility facilities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring that the new regulations will be in place to govern the siting and operation of utility facilities 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