SSB 1152

This bill relates to wind energy conversion facilities. The bill defines “landowner” as the owner of the real property containing an easement for a wind energy conversion facility or a mortgagee or vendee in possession of the real property, an assignee of rents, or a receiver, executor, trustee, lessee, or other person in control of the real property. Additionally, the bill defines “wind energy conversion facility” as any device that converts wind energy to a form of usable energy and all structural and mechanical components of the device, including a wind charger, windmill, wind turbine, tower and electrical equipment, pad mount transformers, power lines, and substation. _____ of restoring the landowner’s property to the same condition as it was prior to the construction and operation of the facility; the financial assurance must not be less than $100,000 for each facility constructed on the landowner’s property; and the owner or operator of the facility and the landowner must stipulate in writing to certain characteristics of the easement, as enumerated in the bill. The bill provides that upon the cessation of operation of a facility, the owner or operator shall restore the property used in the construction and operation of the facility to the same condition as it was prior to the construction and operation. The bill authorizes an owner or operator of a facility to repair or replace a facility within six months after its cessation of operation if the repair or replacement is authorized by the easement governing the facility or by any applicable law or ordinance.