HB1198
To Prohibit Certain Heights Of Wind Power Devices For Waterfowl Conservation In This State; And To Declare An Emergency.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill, House Bill 1198, aims to conserve waterfowl populations in Arkansas by restricting the height of certain wind power devices. It acknowledges the growing use of wind energy but highlights the potential risks to birds, particularly migratory waterfowl, through collisions and disorientation. The bill states that waterfowl populations in Arkansas have been declining and proposes that limiting wind power device height in specific areas can aid in their recovery. The core provision prohibits wind power devices from exceeding 150 feet in height if located within a 100-square-mile area where at least 11 bird bands have been collected in the preceding 10 years. This restriction does not apply to wind farms or devices under construction or already in operation before January 1, 2025. The bill also declares an emergency, asserting the immediate necessity of these conservation measures for the public peace, health, and safety, linking waterfowl preservation to the state's economy through tourism and hunting.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be waterfowl populations and their habitats within Arkansas, as the legislation is designed to reduce risks associated with wind power devices. Wildlife conservation organizations and environmental advocates focused on avian species would also benefit from the protection measures. Additionally, individuals and communities who engage in hunting and bird-watching, and whose livelihoods or recreational activities are supported by healthy waterfowl populations, could see indirect benefits. The state's economy, through potential increases in tourism and hunting revenue related to thriving waterfowl populations, could also be considered a beneficiary.
Who Might Suffer?
The entities most directly negatively impacted by this bill would be developers and operators of wind power devices. Specifically, companies planning to construct new wind turbines or wind farms, or those seeking to expand existing ones, within the designated high-bird-activity areas would face height restrictions, potentially limiting their project scope or feasibility. This could lead to increased project costs or a reduction in energy generation capacity. Landowners who lease their property for wind energy development might also be negatively impacted if height restrictions reduce the economic viability of such projects on their land. The renewable energy sector in Arkansas, in general, could experience a slowdown in development within these restricted zones.