Bill > SB2

This bill establishes new setback requirements for wind energy facilities in certain Oklahoma counties with low population density and wind speeds. The legislation defines an "affected county" as having fewer than 8.5 persons per square mile and average wind speeds below 9.5 miles per hour. The bill requires industrial wind turbine towers to be located at least 1.5 times their tip height from property lines and a half-nautical mile from any dwelling structure. Property owners can waive these setback requirements, such as by executing a lease with a wind energy company. The bill also allows county residents to vote on modifying these setback limitations through a referendum process, with voting permitted no more than once every five years. Wind energy companies are given a four-year window to begin substantial construction of a wind energy project, with some exceptions for companies that already have grid interconnection agreements. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is tasked with maintaining a public database tracking county-specific setback provisions. The bill aims to provide uniformity in wind energy facility construction while considering population density, wind speeds, and potential risks to persons and property. The new setback requirements will take effect on November 1, 2025, giving wind energy companies time to adapt to the new regulations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb2&Session=2600