Sponsor, industry and trade groups debate wind-turbine lighting mitigation bill

Chair Lively opened a public hearing on House Bill 2375, which would require a developer repowering or building a wind energy facility to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration for installation of FAA-approved light-mitigating technology on turbine lighting. Committee staff summarized the bill, stating the applicant must apply to the FAA and, if FAA approval is obtained, install the technology within 24 months.

Sponsor Representative Bobby Levy, who represents House District 58, said the bill seeks to improve compatibility of wind development with rural communities by reducing nighttime lighting that residents find disruptive. Levy said the bill does not supersede FAA or Department of Defense authority and that an amendment addressing applicability dates, installation timelines and a definition of repowered is expected soon. Levy also told the committee he had received a January 4, 2023, memorandum of agreement involving the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, BOEM, FAA and NOAA working on the technology.

Renewable Northwest policy manager Emily Griffith opposed the bill as drafted, citing "problematic timelines" and unclear applicability that could impose burdens on projects already in advanced development stages. Griffith told the committee her group is working with the sponsor on clarifying amendments for date of applicability, definition of repowered, and installation timelines; she noted the systems can be costly and urged flexibility for supply-chain or permitting delays.

Sydney Villanueva, representing the Northwestern Intermountain Power Producers Coalition (NIPSI), testified that NIPSI is working with the sponsor on applicability and timing language. Villanueva described proposed triggers that would (1) apply the statute only to FAA applications submitted on or after Jan. 1, 2028, and (2) permit the developer to proceed with the original lighting if the FAA does not return a determination within 12 months; if FAA approval is granted, installation would be required within 24 months unless construction delays are caused by factors outside the developer's control, such as supply-chain, FCC approvals or Department of Defense delays.

Representative Anderson asked committee witnesses what light mitigation means in practice; Emily Griffith summarized the concept: the systems detect aircraft in the vicinity and activate turbine lighting only when an aircraft is nearby, instead of keeping lights continuously flashing. Committee members asked follow-up questions about FAA capacity and timelines; witnesses said they had proposed a 12-month FAA response window in amendments under discussion.

No further public testimony was offered; the committee closed the public hearing and the sponsor said an amendment was expected.