HB 1968 Summary

• Wind energy facility owners must post a bond with the Secretary of State of at least $25,000 per turbine prior to construction and maintain it throughout the facility's life to cover remediation costs.

• Facility owners are responsible for proper decommissioning within 12 months of lease termination, abandonment, or end of useful life, including removal of turbines, towers, and foundations to 30 inches below grade, with the Corporation Commission authorized to recover costs from the owner's bond if decommissioning is not completed.

• After the 10th year of operation (changed from 15th year), owners must file evidence of financial security with the Corporation Commission sufficient to cover full decommissioning costs, with estimates required every 10 years thereafter.

• Wind energy facilities are prohibited within 3 miles of residential dwellings without written consent, within 1/2 mile of adjacent property lines without consent, within 200% of tower height from roads, and within 3 miles of cities, airports, schools, or hospitals; counties and municipalities may adopt stricter setback distances.

• Owners must obtain permits from county commissioners and municipalities before construction, providing leases, written consents, bond certifications, and posting additional bonds for road and property damage repair.