Arkansas lawmakers are facing a race against time to adopt new regulations for wind energy projects as the state’s first wind projects are under construction. Senate Bill 639, also known as the Wind Energy Development Act, passed the Arkansas Senate 33-1, led by sponsor Sen. Ronald Caldwell. The bill includes permit requirements and public safety regulations for wind turbines.
However, the bill faced controversy for its noise restrictions and requirement for turbines to be 2,500 feet away from neighboring landowners. Amendments were made to the bill to exempt current projects and split the state into different regulatory zones based on elevation.
The bill faced opposition from wind industry advocates and developers who feared the regulations could stifle economic growth. Despite the amendments, the bill failed in the House Insurance and Commerce Committee before being revived by Caldwell in the Senate and stalled again in the House.
The Southern Renewable Energy Association continues to oppose the bill, citing concerns about restrictions on wind energy potential in Arkansas. Meanwhile, wind energy companies operating in different parts of the state have mixed reactions to the bill.
As the legislative session nears its end, the fate of the Wind Energy Development Act remains uncertain. The bill’s passage could have significant implications for the wind industry in Arkansas, with potential impacts on future development projects in the state.
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