Energy

HB 1198 proposes to restrict the height of wind power devices in Arkansas to help conserve waterfowl populations. The bill prohibits wind farms, windmills, and wind turbines from exceeding 150 feet in height. This restriction applies to new projects located in specific 100-square-mile areas where at least eleven bird bands have been collected over the previous ten years. Wind power devices already under construction or in operation before January 1, 2025, would be exempt from this height limit.

House Bill 1892 aimed to regulate "nonexport facilities," which are customer-owned systems generating electricity for personal use without intentionally sending power back to the grid. It sought to prohibit public utilities from charging discriminatory electricity rates to customers operating these facilities. The bill would have also required the Arkansas Public Service Commission to create rules for the safe and reliable operation of nonexport facilities, including standards for managing accidental electricity export and an expedited interconnection review process. Additionally, it clarified that these nonexport facilities would not be considered net-metering facilities.

House Bill 1073 proposed to establish the Advanced Energy Jobs Task Force in Arkansas. This task force would have been responsible for planning and promoting employment opportunities within the state's advanced energy industry. The bill outlined the task force's composition, including legislators and representatives from state agencies and energy associations, and defined terms related to advanced electricity systems. The task force was intended to meet regularly to develop strategies for economic development in this sector.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die Adjournment

Sine Die adjournment