HB 146: Wind Turbine Light Mitigation — 2025

Rep. Jeff Ehlers (R-Meridian) introduced House Bill 146 to require retrofitting of wind turbines associated with lighting systems. New technology has become available that allows blinking red lights to turn on, only when aircraft are near. As a result it can reduce light pollution associated with continuously blinking safety lights.

The initial version of the bill included requirements to install costly retrofitting of wind turbines with mitigation systems and seemed punitive.

Amendments to the bill were adopted in the Senate to provide more time to install updated light mitigation systems, ensuring that any retrofitting can be considered as new power purchase agreements are negotiated. In response to the changes, and because the bill helps to minimize light pollution, ICL supports the amended bill.