HF 3792

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/15/2018 04:39pm

A bill for an act
relating to wind turbines; requiring certain lighting systems atop wind turbines;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216C.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [216C.49] WIND TURBINES; LIGHTING SYSTEMS.
new text end

new text begin (a) An owner of a wind turbine requiring a permit under sections 360.81 to 360.91 or
an owner of a wind turbine who is required to install a light or lighting system atop a wind
turbine by a political subdivision must install a functioning aircraft detection lighting system
atop the wind turbine that meets the requirements for such systems in the current version
of the Federal Aviation Administration's Advisory Circular 70/760-1, Obstruction Marking
and Lighting, as updated. An aircraft detection lighting system installed on a wind turbine
in Minnesota must be purchased from a vendor approved by the Federal Aviation
Administration.
new text end

new text begin (b) For the purposes of this section, "aircraft detection lighting system" means a
sensor-based system that uses radio frequency to detect aircraft approaching an obstruction
or group of obstructions, and automatically activates appropriate obstruction lights until the
lights are no longer needed by the aircraft. An aircraft detection lighting system may include
an audio feature that transmits an audible warning message to provide a pilot additional
information regarding an obstruction the aircraft is approaching.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following
final enactment. A wind turbine issued a permit under sections 360.81 to 360.91 prior to
the effective date of this section or a wind turbine required to install a light or lighting system
atop a wind turbine by a political subdivision before the effective date of this section must
install an aircraft detection lighting system no later than December 31, 2019.
new text end