HB 2714
Establish setback from residential properties for new windmills being constructed throughout the state.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes minimum setback requirements for wind turbines being constructed in West Virginia. Specifically, it mandates that wind turbines must be a certain distance from property lines, residences, and overhead transmission lines of 115kV capacity or greater. Landowners can apply for waivers to reduce these setbacks, but the commission must approve such waivers. The bill aims to protect residents and infrastructure from the potential impacts of wind energy development.
Key provisions
- Wind turbines must be at least 1.1 times the total height of the tower, turbine, and blade height from property lines.
- Wind turbines must be at least 1.5 times the total height of the tower, turbine, and blade height from residences.
- Wind turbines must be at least 1.1 times the total height of the tower, turbine, and blade height from paved public roads and 115kV transmission lines.
- Landowners can apply for waivers to reduce setback distances.
- The commission must approve any waivers submitted by landowners.
- The bill applies to new wind energy systems exceeding 500 kilowatts.
- Definitions are provided for key terms such as ‘owner,’ ‘residence,’ and ‘wind energy system.’
- The bill does not apply to modifications of existing siting certificates issued prior to its effective date.
Who is affected
- Wind energy developers
- Property owners
- Residents
- Utility companies
- West Virginia landowners
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