Major energy bill would require county approval, state permits for wind, solar projects
Comprehensive measure establishes setbacks, decommissioning requirements, protest petition process
TOPEKA — A comprehensive energy bill introduced Monday would significantly increase regulatory requirements for renewable energy projects in Kansas.
HB 2636, from the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, would establish requirements for the development, construction, modification, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of industrial wind and solar energy conversion systems and battery storage facilities. The measure would authorize county commissioners to permit or deny such projects and establish a protest petition and election process.
The bill would give the State Corporation Commission jurisdiction over permitting, require minimum setback distances, mandate agricultural mitigation protocols and require facility owners to maintain decommissioning plans with adequate financial assurance. Owners of existing facilities would be required to register with the commission.
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