Senate Bill 1559 Summary

• Requires owners of wind energy facilities to post a bond with the Secretary of State before construction, with a minimum of $25,000 per wind turbine, to cover remediation costs and remain in place throughout the facility's life.

• Prohibits construction of wind energy facilities within one-quarter mile of occupied dwellings or dwellings under construction without written consent of the dwelling owner.

• Prohibits construction of wind energy facilities within one-half mile of adjacent property lines without written consent of the adjacent property owner.

• Requires wind energy facility owners to obtain permits from county commissioners and municipalities (if applicable) before construction, including submission of leases, dwelling owner consents, adjacent property owner consents, and performance bonds for road and infrastructure damage.

• Establishes a 50-decibel sound limit at 1,000 feet from wind turbines and authorizes the Department of Environmental Quality to adopt rules and assess penalties up to $1,000 per violation.