Arkansas lawmakers introduced a bill this week that aims to regulate wind energy, emphasizing public safety and landowner rights.
ARKANSAS, USA — A bill has been introduced in Arkansas that seeks to regulate wind energy in the state. Senate Bill 437 (SB437) was introduced by Senator Hester and Representatives Brad Hall and James P Eaton on March 12. 2025.
According to the bill, lawmakers found that the state’s wind energy resources are essential for economic growth and providing clean and renewable power locally and nationally.
SB437 says the conversion of wind energy into power “for utility-scale systems” requires systems such as wind turbines, electrical substations, and electrical lines.
The bill outlines permit, construction, and operation requirements in an effort to “promote, preserve, and protect the public peace, health, safety, and welfare through effective permitting and regulation of wind energy facilities.”
Among the requirements is that any wind turbine must be at least one mile from schools, hospitals, nursing home facilities, churches, city limits and towns, state or federal parks, and public airports.
It also emphasizes the importance of landowner rights, including protection against hazards and accidents caused by wind energy facilities. The bill states that landowners will have access to “adequate information to verify the accuracy of any payments made by wind energy facilities.”
To read more about this bill, click here.