Sentiment Tracker

• 59% Neutral
• 31% Positive
• 10% Negative

Who Talked?

• 46% Brad Lila, Cordelio Power
• 25% Simon Mahan, Southern Renewable Energy Association
• 16% Senator Bryan King (committee chair)
• 6% Senator Ronald Caldwell
• 4% Senator Mark Johnson
• 2% Senator Fredrick Love

Overview

During the November 18 Senate Children and Youth Committee Hearing, legislators discussed the potential for wind energy development in Arkansas.

Presenters included Simon Mahan from the Southern Renewable Energy Association, who discussed the state’s wind energy potential, highlighting technological advances and upcoming projects. A comprehensive analysis reviewed the integrated resource plans of SWEPCO and Entergy, which identified a projected power demand gap beginning in 2028, stimulating a shift towards wind, solar, and other renewable resources.

Presentations also addressed the economic benefits of wind projects, local community concerns about wildlife impacts, and regulatory specifications for turbine installations. Financial aspects, such as federal subsidies, the structure of project contracts, and implications on local tourism were debated, ultimately leading to a commitment for further investigation into tax implications and future discussions on wind energy under new Energy Committee leadership, acknowledging the diverse perspectives present across Arkansas. Action items included sharing contact information for project developers and examining local financial impacts.

Notes

️ Wind Energy Development in Arkansas (03:17 – 17:46)

• Meeting called to order to discuss wind energy projects in Arkansas
• Simon Mahan, Executive Director of Southern Renewable Energy Association, presented
• Wind energy potential in Arkansas due to improved turbine technology
• Wind projects operational or planned in neighboring states
• Grid operators (MISO and SPP) manage power flow and grid stability
• Wind and solar are among the cheapest energy resources in the U.S.

Utility Planning and Wind Energy (17:53 – 29:57)

• Discussion on SWEPCO and Entergy’s integrated resource planning
• Gap between power demand and supply identified, starting around 2028
• Utilities looking at wind, solar, batteries, and natural gas to meet future demand
• Concerns raised about baseload power and reliability when wind isn’t blowing
• Grid operators use forecasting to manage wind power variability

️ Wind Project Development and Impact (30:57 – 51:03)

• Brad Lila from Cordelio Power presented on wind projects in Arkansas
• Cordelio constructing 135 MW project in Cross County, planning more projects
• Discussion on turbine technology improvements and efficiency
• Wind projects’ impact on local economy, jobs, and tax revenue
• Concerns raised about wildlife, particularly eagles and migratory birds

Project Specifications and Regulations (51:20 – 58:38)

• Wind turbine foundations typically 12-13 feet deep in Cross County
• Discussion on aircraft warning lights, now using radar-activated system
• Noise levels from turbines typically kept under 50 decibels
• Importance of road use, development, and decommissioning agreements with counties

Environmental and Community Concerns (58:39 – 01:06:03)

• Further discussion on wildlife impact, particularly birds and bats
• Wind turbines in Arkansas operate mostly at night, reducing bird collision risk
• Aerial application (crop dusting) minimally impacted due to turbine operation times
• Decommissioning process explained, including removal of equipment to 4ft depth

Financial Aspects and Subsidies (01:06:03 – 01:15:03)

• Discussion on federal subsidies and tax credits for wind energy
• Production Tax Credit and Investment Tax Credit explained
• Wind energy costs have decreased significantly over time
• Majority of wind project components manufactured in the U.S.

Contracts and Local Impact (01:15:04 – 01:18:42)

• Typical wind farm contracts last 30 years with extension options
• Landowners receive base rate plus production-based payments
• Decommissioning bonds required to ensure proper site cleanup

️ Tourism and Local Concerns (01:18:42 – 01:26:19)

• Discussion on potential impact on tourism in scenic areas
• Some areas have seen increased ‘wind tourism’
• Debate on view shed issues and local acceptance of wind projects

Closing Remarks and Follow-up (01:26:39 – 01:30:55)

• Committee to further investigate tax implications for local schools and roads
• Future discussions planned with Energy Committee under new leadership
• Acknowledgment of differing perspectives between regions in Arkansas

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