Kansas bill setting minimum setbacks for commercial wind turbines to have hearing next week

Legislation that would set minimum setbacks for commercial wind turbines in Kansas at 1 ½ miles from residential homes is scheduled to be heard by a House committee next week. HB 2273, dubbed the Wind Generation Permit and Property Protection Act, was introduced by Rep. Randy Garber, R-Sabetha, on Tuesday and referred to the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications.

That committee, chaired by Joe Siewert, R-Pretty Prairie, will take testimony on the bill starting 9 a.m. Tuesday.

The Climate and Energy Project sent out an email alert about the bill Thursday afternoon, calling the proposed setbacks “prohibitive,” and the bill “a thinly veiled attempt to stop wind development in Kansas.”

The bill sets out minimum setbacks of “not less than” 12 times system height – which is the total height of a wind turbine measured with a blade in a vertical position – or 7,920 feet, whichever is greater, from any residential property or public building.”

It also proposes a setback of 20 times the system height or 3 miles, whichever is greater, from any airport or local, state or federal wildlife refuge, public hunting area or public park.

The proposal also includes a minimum 1,500-foot setback from any property line.

Developers can get a waiver on any of the setback distances if a landowner grants it in writing.