Senate Bill No. 713 establishes new regulations for wind energy facilities in Oklahoma, specifically focusing on the implementation of light-mitigating technology systems. The bill defines key terms such as "light-mitigating technology system," "wind energy facility," "repowering," and "power offtake agreement." It mandates that any new wind energy facility must apply for a light-mitigating technology system approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before commencing operations. Existing facilities that began operations before the bill's effective date must also apply for this technology upon repowering or entering a new power offtake agreement.
Additionally, the bill allows counties to issue revenue bonds to cover costs associated with the purchase and installation of light-mitigating technology systems for existing facilities that lack such systems. The responsibility for the costs of installation, operation, and maintenance of these systems falls on the developers, owners, or operators of the wind energy facilities. Public utilities regulated by the Corporation Commission may seek cost recovery for expenses incurred in compliance with the act. The Corporation Commission is granted authority to enforce these provisions and create necessary rules, with the act set to take effect on November 1, 2025.