A bill that wind energy advocates warn could be crippling to the developing industry heads to the governor’s desk to become law after a controversial and politically charged run through the Legislature.
Senate Bill 437, called the Arkansas Wind Development Act, instructs the Arkansas Public Service Commission to develop permit requirements, require companies to do extensive studies for wildlife impacts, and make sure wind energy developers meet certain public safety requirements. It passed the House by a vote of 73 to 11 on Wednesday morning and then passed narrowly in the Senate, with 18 votes for it and 14 against, with three senators voting present, despite some outspoken opposition from legislators.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Brad Hall (R-Van Buren) and Rep. James Eaton (R-Huntsville), with Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester (R-Cave Springs) being the primary sponsor in the Senate.
Previously, the Arkansas…
