Bill > H2910

This bill aims to streamline the process for permitting land-based wind energy facilities by establishing new procedures and standards for their siting and development. It creates an "expedited permitting" process for wind energy projects of at least 2 megawatts (MW) in capacity, allowing them to follow a faster track for approval. The bill also introduces "significant wind resource areas" which are locations identified by the state as having strong and consistent winds suitable for wind energy development, and requires municipalities in these areas to establish a "local wind energy permitting board" to handle applications. For projects that meet specific environmental and siting standards, the bill allows for expedited review by the state's "Energy Facilities Siting Board" (EFSB), which is an independent board responsible for energy facility approvals. The bill also outlines detailed standards for wind energy facilities, covering aspects like lighting, setbacks from residences, and impacts on environmental and historical resources, and establishes an advisory group to help develop these standards. Importantly, the bill clarifies that this new permitting process is the exclusive means of review for certain decisions, and it sets deadlines for decision-making by both local and state boards to prevent delays. The bill also includes provisions for community mitigation fees and the option for host municipalities to purchase a portion of the electricity generated.