HB106 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Becky Nordgren

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

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

The bill creates a state regulatory framework for wind energy conversion systems, requiring permits, engineering certification, local approvals, and safety and removal rules.

What This Bill Does

It requires anyone who wants to install or operate a wind energy conversion system to obtain a permit from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and follow rules on location, design, installation, and operation. It mandates that tower designs be certified by a licensed engineer with wind energy experience, and that local governments approve locations and ensure zoning compliance. It sets financial protections and safety requirements, including liability insurance, reclamation funding, noise limits, warning signs, and anti‑climbing features. It also provides for abandonment/removal of unused or poorly maintained systems and gives ADEM authority to adopt the detailed permit rules.

Who It Affects

• Wind energy developers/operators who must obtain permits, have towers engineered and certified, meet insurance and financial assurances, follow safety and noise standards, and pay permit and review fees.
• Local governments (cities/counties) that must approve system locations and zoning, and nearby property owners who are affected by setback, noise, and safety requirements.

Key Provisions

• Requires permits from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management before installing or operating a wind energy conversion system and authorizes rules governing location, design, installation, and operation.
• Towers and systems must be certified by a licensed engineer with wind energy experience; includes overspeed protection, code compliance, warning signs, anti‑climbing features, and engineered compatibility checks.
• Local governing bodies must approve location and ensure zoning compliance; installation cannot occur without such approvals.
• Financial assurances: requires funds for reclamation/removal and a $1,000,000 liability coverage, maintained through the construction and life of the system.
• Permit application details include plot plans, visual simulations, reclamation plans, and notification procedures; permit sets conditions for design, layout, operation, and potential revocation.
• Noise limit of 40 decibels at the property line and a 2,500‑foot setback from the system’s base to the edge of adjacent property; systems still subject to other applicable laws and covenants.
• Abandonment rules allow removal of non-operating systems; the department can delay abandonment designation under certain conditions.
• ADEM rulemaking authority to establish the full regulatory framework and permit process; effective date after gubernatorial approval.

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 Conversion Systems