Bill Description: House Bill 146 would impose costly light-mitigating technology regulations on new and existing wind energy conversion systems.  

Rating: -1

NOTE: The Senate Amendment to House Bill 146 did not change the rating or analysis.

Does it give government any new, additional, or expanded power to prohibit, restrict, or regulate activities in the free market? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce government intervention in the market?

House Bill 146 would create Section 21-515B, Idaho Code, to require any developer, owner, or operator of a new or existing wind energy conversion system in Idaho to install a light-mitigating technology system. 

The bill says, "Any costs associated with the installation, implementation, operation, and maintenance of a light-mitigating technology system shall be the responsibility of the developer, owner, or operator of the wind energy conversion system."

Light-mitigating technology systems are very expensive, and this bill imposes an unfunded mandate — not just on new systems — but on existing systems that were built in compliance with all relevant regulations in effect at the time. 

(-1)