Bill > HB2751

This bill establishes new regulations for wind energy infrastructure in Oklahoma, specifically targeting counties with low population density and moderate wind speeds. The legislation defines key terms like "industrial wind turbine" and "affected county" and imposes strict setback requirements for wind tower construction. These requirements mandate that towers must be located at least 1.5 times their tip height from property lines and at least half a nautical mile from dwelling structures in affected counties. Property owners can waive these setback requirements by executing a lease with a wind energy company. The bill also provides a unique mechanism for counties to modify or eliminate these setback limitations through a voter referendum, which can be initiated by county commissioners or by a petition signed by at least 10% of voters in the last presidential election. Wind energy companies are given a four-year window to begin substantial construction activity, with some exceptions for companies already in advanced stages of project development. Additionally, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission is required to maintain a public database tracking each county's setback provisions. The bill emphasizes legislative findings about the importance of uniform wind energy infrastructure regulations and considerations of population density and wind speed in determining appropriate setback distances, ultimately aiming to balance wind energy development with property owner protections.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2751&Session=2600