H470 Summary: Responsible Wind Energy Implementation

• Establishes comprehensive permitting and control requirements for industrial wind energy facilities (WEFs) in North Carolina, including expanded definitions, setback distances, and stakeholder notification procedures.

• Requires minimum setbacks of one mile or 10 times turbine height from residential properties, 2.5 times height from WEF perimeter and state/municipal roads, 30 miles from major military installations, and 5 miles from military flight paths.

• Mandates extensive permit application materials including human health impact studies, economic impact assessments, environmental assessments, property value guarantees, decommissioning plans, and $100 per megawatt application fees.

• Imposes strict liability on WEF owners for damages regardless of fault, requires $10-20 million commercial general liability insurance plus $50 million umbrella coverage, and mandates indemnification of state and local governments.

• Requires decommissioning within one year of six consecutive months without electricity generation, with financial assurance of at least $100,000 per turbine, and establishes civil penalties of $1,000-$10,000 per day for violations.