746120AB65EB176E8725869A008057C0 Hearing Summary

The committee reconvened.

Senator Gardner, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 21-149. The bill requires a wind energy developer or owner to notify the U.S. Department of Defense of the new construction or expansion of a wind energy facility if the proposed project would include vertical construction exceeding 200 feet in height, and only proceed if it is determined by the department that the project would not have an adverse impact to military mission, training, or operations. If an adverse impact is determined, the project may proceed if the developer or owner commits to resolving the adverse impact through mitigation measures identified by the department. The bill also prohibits wind energy developers or owners from constructing or expanding facilities in a manner that includes any vertical construction in excess of 50 feet in height if the wind energy facility is located within 2 nautical miles of an active federal military missile launch or control facility.

Colonel Deane Konowicz, U.S. Air Force, testified in support of the bill.

Major Daniel Mitchell, U.S. Air Force, testified in support of the bill.

Kevin Ward, U.S. Department of Defense Regional Environmental Coordinator, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Ward and Major Mitchelle responded to questions.

Tony Rock, NextEra Energy Resources, testified in opposition to the bill.

Tom Vinson, American Clean Power Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Ramesh Bhatt, Sierra Club, testified in opposition to the bill.

Rock responded to committee questions.

Brett Moore, Interwest Energy Alliance, testified in opposition to the bill.

Senator Gardner made closing comments.

Senator Gonzales laid the bill over until March 23.