HB 26-1420

HB 26-1420 is a Colorado bill that requires new wind energy facilities to install special lights or other technology designed to detect and warn airplanes. These facilities must get approval from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and FCC (Federal Communications Commission) before installing this technology. If these approvals are delayed, local governments can grant extensions of at least 24 months for the facility owners to comply with the requirements. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and wind energy facilities in Colorado must follow its guidelines.

Official Summary

In 2022, the general assembly enacted Senate Bill 22-110 to require an owner or operator of a new wind-powered energy generation facility (facility) to install light-mitigating technology designed to detect aircraft (technology) at the facility and to obtain federal aviation administration (FAA) approval before installing the technology. An owner or operator of a facility can request from the governing body of the local government in which the facility is located an extension of up to 24 months to install the technology.     The bill requires the owner or operator of a facility to also obtain federal communications commission (FCC) approval for installation of the technology and requires that a governing body of a local government grant an owner or operator of a facility an extension of time to install the technology if FAA, FCC, or other federal agency approval is delayed. The bill also requires that an extension of time granted by the governing body of a local government is at least 24 months in duration.(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

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