Bill > SB1596

This bill amends the Illinois Environmental Protection Act to establish new regulations for commercial wind energy facilities, specifically focusing on fluid leakage prevention and remediation. Under the new provisions, operators of commercial wind energy facilities are prohibited from operating in a manner that causes, threatens, or allows the release of oils, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, transformer solvents, insulation fluids, cleaning fluids, or similar substances. The bill requires any released fluid to be remediated, including fluids present on wind turbines before operation begins. Wind energy facility owners must now annually register with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), providing facility locations and contact information for responding to potential violations. For violations, the bill establishes civil penalties of $1,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses per wind turbine. Notably, the bill offers a 100% penalty reduction for owners who voluntarily self-disclose non-compliance within seven days of discovery, take timely corrective action, and meet other specified conditions. Additionally, wind energy facility owners have an affirmative duty to cover all remediation and response expenses related to fluid leaks, including reimbursing any third parties who incur such expenses. The bill aims to enhance environmental protection and accountability in wind energy facility operations.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1596&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104