This bill repeals and replaces the current law regarding when a visual impact assessment is required for an expedited wind energy development. The bill provides that a visual impact assessment is required if portions of a wind energy development's generating facilities are located within 8 miles from a scenic resource of state or national significance, except that for certain specified scenic resources of state or national significance, a visual assessment is required if a development's generating facilities are located within 15 miles from the scenic resource of state or national significance. The bill also amends the definition of "viewshed of a scenic resource of state or national significance" for those same specified scenic resources.

MTA Position: Supports

Status: Enacted in House and Senate; vetoed by the Governor