HB678 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy Davis

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Wind Energy Conversion Systems, regulation provided for, ADEM required to issue permit, certification by licensed engineer required, regulation of location, design, and installation of systems, Alabama Wind Energy Conversion Act

Summary

HB678 would create the Alabama Wind Energy Conversion Systems Act to regulate wind energy systems with permits, professional certification, safety standards, and financial assurances.

What This Bill Does

It would require anyone installing or operating a wind energy conversion system to obtain a permit from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management before starting. The department would adopt rules on location, design, installation, and operation, and towers must be certified by a licensed engineer with wind-energy experience, including safety features like overspeed controls and clear signage. Operators would need financial assurances (reclamation costs and a $1,000,000 liability fund), pay permit fees, and the system would be subject to abandonment rules and potential removal if unused for 365 days. The act also establishes standard permit contents, public notification, and coordination with other regulatory agencies.

Who It Affects

• Wind energy system developers, owners, operators, and installers who must obtain permits, meet engineering and safety requirements, pay fees, and maintain financial assurances.
• Nearby property owners and the general public who gain protections through noise limits, required safety features, warning signage, and potential removal of abandoned or unsafe systems, along with notice of permit applications.

Key Provisions

• Requires permits from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management before construction or operation of a wind energy conversion system.
• Requires wind turbine towers to be certified by a licensed engineer with wind-energy experience; mandates safety and operational controls and code compliance.
• Establishes financial assurances, including costs for reclamation/removal and a $1,000,000 liability reserve to cover damages to adjoining property, maintained during construction and the life of the system.
• Sets permit application requirements (owner/applicant information, site plans, visual simulations, reclamation plan) and imposes a permit fee structure (minimum $1,000 plus review and related costs).
• Requires abandonment procedures for systems not operating 365 days, with department-approved delays possible; provides for removal of abandoned or unused systems.
• Gives ADEM rulemaking authority to regulate design, construction, and operation; imposes conditions in permits and requires compliance with electrical/building codes, noise limits, and coordination with other regulatory agencies.
• Includes safety enhancements such as manual/automatic overspeed controls, warning signs, anti-climbing devices, and engineer certification of construction and installation standards.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Wind Energy