HB 1549 Summary

• Requires wind energy facilities entering interconnection agreements on or after January 1, 2016, to file evidence of financial security prior to construction commencement, with acceptable forms including cash, certificates of deposit, and other negotiable instruments.

• Establishes financial security amount for new facilities at 125% of estimated decommissioning costs minus salvage value, filed with the Corporation Commission prior to construction and every five years thereafter.

• Prohibits wind turbine tower placement within 1.5 nautical miles of runway centerlines at public or private airports, public schools, or hospitals.

• Requires facility owners to file notification of intent with the Corporation Commission within six months of FAA filing, publish notification in local newspapers within six months, and hold a public meeting within 60 days of publication.

• Imposes administrative penalties not to exceed $1,500 per day for failure to file required financial security documentation or for commencing construction before completing notification and public meeting requirements; effective September 1, 2015.