Senate panel approves bill letting wind farms apply to use radar-triggered lights to cut nighttime flashing

Senate Bill 713, which would let wind farm operators use radar‑based aircraft detection lighting systems (ADLS) so that red obstruction lights are on only when aircraft approach, passed the Senate Energy Committee 6-4.

Senator Yek, the bill's author, told the committee the measure responds to constituent complaints about continuous red flashing on rural properties and would require new projects to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration for permission before commencing operations. "Members, this bill pertains to wind farms and the red flashing lights, the warning lights that are on those wind farms," Senator Yek said during his presentation.

The bill sets different triggers for existing projects: legacy facilities would have to apply for ADLS only upon repowering or when entering a new power off‑take agreement; if approved, operators would have 24 months to install the systems. The Corporation Commission would adopt implementing rules and would administer the program, the senator said. Staff estimated a one‑time cost of about $50,000 to promulgate rules and a recurring cost roughly equal to one full‑time equivalent (FTE) at about $100,000 a year for ongoing administration.

Senator Yek provided an industry cost range for ADLS equipment, saying, "The cost per system... I'm told from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 per system, not per tower," and explained systems are installed by site rather than on every turbine. He also noted industry cooperation during the drafting process and said the bill is modeled on similar state measures.

Opponents raised safety and ratepayer concerns in floor debate. Senator Jett argued the bill could increase electricity costs for ratepayers, noting retrofit and installation costs for large projects and warning the costs could be passed through to customers. Senator Murdock and others said the technology is not fail‑proof and asked what failsafes would exist if a detection system failed. Senator Yek and other supporters said pilots and aviation safety remain a priority and that FAA approval is required before lights could be mitigated.

The committee recorded a 6-4 favorable vote; the clerk declared Senate Bill 713 passed out of committee.

Implementation details still to be resolved include the Corporation Commission's formal rulemaking, whether utilities will pass costs to ratepayers and how FAA approvals will be coordinated for multi‑state projects. Supporters said they will continue to work with industry and regulators to address outstanding concerns.