HB 1069

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE MISSISSIPPI AGRICULTURAL AND FARMLAND WIND TOWER PROTECTION ACT OF 2026; TO DEFINE AND REGULATE WIND TOWER FACILITIES; TO VEST EXCLUSIVE SITING, PERMITTING AND OPERATIONAL AUTHORITY IN THE MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; TO REQUIRE CERTIFICATES OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND AGRICULTURAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS, PUBLIC NOTICE AND LANDOWNER CONSENT; TO IMPOSE STATEWIDE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS TO PROTECT AGRICULTURAL LANDS, AERIAL AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS, RESIDENCES AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS; TO PROHIBIT WIND TOWER FACILITIES NEAR WILDLIFE REFUGES, WETLANDS, MIGRATORY BIRD CORRIDORS AND CRITICAL HABITATS; TO REQUIRE FINANCIAL ASSURANCE AND DECOMMISSIONING BONDS FOR SITE RESTORATION; TO SUBJECT WIND TOWER FACILITIES TO PUBLIC UTILITY LAWS; TO AUTHORIZE RULEMAKING AND INTERAGENCY CONSULTATION; TO CREATE THE WIND TOWER AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS STUDY COMMITTEE AND REQUIRE A LEGISLATIVE REPORT; TO PROVIDE ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY, CIVIL PENALTIES AND REMEDIATION REMEDIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.