Idaho bill mandates light mitigation technology for new wind farms

In a pivotal Senate Resources and Environment meeting held on March 3, 2025, Idaho lawmakers discussed a groundbreaking bill aimed at enhancing safety measures for wind farms across the state. The proposed legislation introduces innovative light mitigation technology designed to reduce the visibility of wind turbine lights, which can pose hazards to aircraft.

The technology, already in use in ten states, including Oklahoma and Texas, operates by turning off turbine lights unless an aircraft is detected in the vicinity. This system not only minimizes light pollution but also ensures safety by activating lights only when necessary. Representative Ehlers, who presented the bill, emphasized its potential benefits for Idaho's commercial wind farms, particularly those with five or more turbines.

The bill stipulates that any new wind farms must implement this technology and obtain approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Existing wind farms would be granted an extended timeline of 60 months to comply, a significant increase from the initially proposed 24 months. This adjustment aims to provide operators with ample time to adapt to the new requirements.

During the meeting, lawmakers raised questions about the FAA approval process, with Representative Ehlers clarifying that it falls on the wind farm operators to secure this approval. He noted that similar requests in other states have typically received a response from the FAA within about 60 days.

The discussions also touched on the current regulations surrounding turbine lighting. While many existing turbines are equipped with flashing lights, the specifics of whether this is mandated by law remain unclear. The committee members expressed a shared interest in ensuring that safety standards are met while also considering the environmental impact of wind energy.

As Idaho continues to explore renewable energy solutions, this bill represents a significant step towards balancing safety and sustainability in the state's growing wind energy sector. The outcome of this legislation could set a precedent for how wind farms operate in the future, potentially influencing similar initiatives in other states.