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Committee hearing on wind‑energy bill becomes flashpoint; vote postponed for additional testimony
Summary
Lawmakers heard hours of testimony for and against a broad wind‑energy regulation bill. Supporters said the measure fills a regulatory gap; opponents said an amendment removed a negotiated exemption and the change would effectively block projects under development. The committee postponed a vote to take more testimony after session.
A proposed Wind Energy Development Act drew extended testimony and heated exchanges in the House Insurance and Commerce Committee on Tuesday, and the committee postponed a vote until after the legislative session to allow additional witnesses to review a last‑minute amendment.
Representatives Brad Hall and James Eaton introduced Senate Bill 437, which would impose state regulatory requirements on utility‑scale wind projects, including setback and siting restrictions, environmental and visual‑impact assessments, decommissioning and bonding requirements, and noise and shadow‑flicker limits. Supporters said the bill responds to rapid project proposals in rural counties and fills a regulatory gap; they said Arkansas has been one…
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