To Create The Arkansas Wind Energy Development Act.
Impact
The act introduces specific procedural requirements for obtaining permits and conducting environmental impact assessments before developing wind energy facilities. This includes public hearings to allow local community input and set forth certain minimum requirements, such as setbacks from nonparticipating landowners’ properties and health and safety considerations. Additionally, the Arkansas Public Service Commission is tasked with overseeing the implementation of these standards, ensuring that wind energy development aligns with local and state regulations. By centralizing these guidelines, SB639 seeks to streamline the wind energy approval process while balancing the needs of developers and landowners.
Summary
Senate Bill 639, known as the Arkansas Wind Energy Development Act, aims to establish comprehensive regulations for the permitting, construction, and operation of wind energy facilities in Arkansas. The bill recognizes the importance of wind energy resources for the state's economic growth and environmental sustainability. It lays out legislative findings that emphasize the need for safe and prudent development of these resources while minimizing any adverse effects on communities and the environment. This act mandates that wind energy facilities adhere to strict safety, health, and environmental standards throughout their lifecycle.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, the act may face contention regarding local governance and individual rights. While the bill allows local governments to adopt legislation consistent with state laws, it prohibits them from creating less stringent criteria for permits, potentially limiting local autonomy. Some stakeholders may argue that this centralization undermines local control over land use decisions, raising concerns about how wind energy developments could impact rural communities. Furthermore, ensuring financial security for proper decommissioning of facilities adds further responsibilities for developers, which could be contentious among industry stakeholders and landowners alike.
To Amend The Arkansas Renewable Energy Development Act Of 2001; To Prevent Cost-shifting And Ensure Fairness To All Ratepayers; To Create The Customer Protections For Net-metering Customers Act; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Amend The Arkansas Renewable Energy Development Act Of 2001; To Prevent Cost-shifting And Ensure Fairness To All Ratepayers; To Create The Customer Protections For Net-metering Customers Act; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Create The Learns Act; To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code As They Relate To Early Childhood Through Grade Twelve Education In The State Of Arkansas; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Amend The Law Regarding Energy; To Amend The Law Concerning Coal-powered Electrical Generation Facilities; To Require Certain Actions Before Decommissioning Or Disposal Of Assets; And To Require A Study.
To Abolish The Arkansas Geological Survey; To Create The Office Of The State Geologist And Transfer The Authority And Duties Of The Arkansas Geological Survey To The Office; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Amend The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Act; To Commercialize The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Program; To Create The Arkansas Commerce Tire Program Act; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Transfer The Arkansas Rural Services Commission And The Rural Services Division Of The Arkansas Economic Development Commission To The Department Of Agriculture; And To Declare An Emergency.
Land use: zoning and growth management; solar and storage facilities of 50 or more MW but less than 100 MW; authorize MPSC certification for zoning exemptions. Amends title of 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1001 - 460.1211) & adds pt. 8. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5123'23
Land use: zoning and growth management; solar and storage facilities of 50 or more MW but less than 100 MW; authorize MPSC certification for zoning exemptions. Amends title of 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1001 - 460.1211) & adds pt. 8. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0587'23
Energy: alternative sources; large scale solar, wind, and energy storage facilities; authorize MPSC certification for zoning exemptions. Amends title & sec. 13 of 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1013) & adds pt. 8. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0588'23, HB 5121'23
Energy: alternative sources; solar, wind, and storage facilities of 100 MW or more; authorize MPSC certification for zoning exemptions. Amends title of 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1001 - 460.1211) & adds pt. 8. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0588'23