Washington § 70A.550.020 - Aircraft detection lighting system — Installation of a light-mitigating technology system.

(1) Except as provided in *section 3 of this act, beginning July 1, 2023, no new utility-scale wind energy facility with five or more turbines shall commence operations unless the developer, owner, or operator of the facility applies to the federal aviation administration for installation of a light-mitigating technology system that complies with federal aviation administration regulations, as they existed as of July 23, 2023. If approved by the federal aviation administration, the developer, owner, or operator of such utility-scale wind energy facility shall install the light-mitigating technology system on approved turbines within 24 months after receipt of such approval. If not approved by the federal aviation administration, the developer, owner, or operator of such utility-scale wind energy facility is not subject to this chapter.

(2) Except as provided in *section 3 of this act, beginning January 1, 2028, or upon the completion of repowering, whichever is earlier, any developer, owner, or operator of a utility-scale wind energy facility with five or more turbines that has commenced operations without an aircraft detection lighting system shall apply to the federal aviation administration for installation and operation of a light-mitigating technology system that achieves comparable light mitigation outcomes to an aircraft detection lighting system and that complies with federal aviation administration regulations, as they existed as of July 23, 2023. If approved by the federal aviation administration, the developer, owner, or operator of such utility-scale wind energy facility shall install the light-mitigating technology system on approved turbines within 24 months following such approval. If not approved by the federal aviation administration, the developer, owner, or operator of such utility-scale wind energy facility is not subject to this chapter.

(3) A developer, owner, or operator of a utility-scale wind energy facility shall comply with any wind energy ordinance adopted by a legislative authority of a county pursuant to *section 3 of this act.

(4) Nothing in this section requires mitigation of light pollution to be carried out in a manner that conflicts with federal requirements, including requirements of the federal aviation administration or the United States department of defense.

*Reviser's note: Section 3, chapter 344, Laws of 2023 was vetoed by the governor.