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Bill to cap wind turbine height at 350 feet draws split testimony from rural residents and industry
Summary
Sen. Bob Phelan’s proposal would ban construction of new wind turbine towers taller than 350 feet beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and add lighting rules; landowners described visual and environmental harms while developers, utilities and trade groups warned the cap would curtail efficient modern turbines and harm projects already under way.
Senator Bob Phelan opened a hearing on Senate Bill 283, a bill that would ban construction of wind turbine towers higher than 350 feet beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and require Federal Aviation Administration-approved aircraft detection lighting systems for towers over 200 feet.
Phelan told the committee the measure is aimed at limiting the visual and lighting impacts of very large turbines: “By limiting the height and limiting of towers, Montana can harness wind energy without causing environmental harms or visual nuisances.” He said the bill would not affect existing towers and that the phased start date was intended to give developers time to adjust.
Several county…
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