HB678 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Wind Energy Conversion Systems Act of 2013 requiring persons to obtain permits from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management before installing or operating wind energy conversion systems.

• Requires tower design certification by a licensed engineer with prior wind energy experience, compliance with building and electrical codes, manual and automatic overspeed controls, anti-climbing devices, and a maximum noise level of 50 decibels at property lines.

• Mandates applicants maintain financial assurance equal to reclamation costs plus $1,000,000 to cover damages to adjoining property, and pay a $1,000 permit fee plus all department review costs.

• Authorizes the Department of Environmental Management to adopt rules addressing permit application requirements, public notification procedures, turbine types and designs, site layout, operation and maintenance, and permit revocation conditions.

• Provides that wind energy conversion systems deemed abandoned after 365 consecutive days of non-operation must be removed by the operator, with the department having discretion to delay abandonment designation upon submission of satisfactory proof.