IL SB3403

Requires counties to mandate that commercial wind energy facilities constructed in 2019 or later install light mitigating technology on at least 30% of wind towers, effective June 1, 2025, subject to Federal Aviation Administration approval.

Facility owners must apply to the FAA for light mitigating technology installation approval within 6 months of receiving a "determination of no hazard" from the FAA, then install and operate the technology within 24 months of receiving approval.

Light mitigating technology is defined as a sensor-based system that detects approaching aircraft, keeps lights off when safe, and meets FAA requirements under Chapter 10 of the 2020 advisory circular AC 70/7460-1M.

County boards may impose civil penalties of $1,000 per day on facility owners who fail to comply with the installation requirements.

Facility owners may seek extensions from county boards for up to 24 months, and the requirements do not apply to test wind towers used solely for research and testing purposes.