Senate Bill 2227

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO CREATE A STUDY COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE UNINTENDED IMPACT OF WIND TURBINE USAGE IN AGRICULTURE; TO DESIGNATE THE MEMBERS OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) There is created a study committee for the purpose of studying the impact of wind turbine usage in agriculture. The installation and usage of wind turbines potentially have unintended impacts on surrounding properties, the aquifer, agricultural aviation pilots and migratory birds. It shall be the duty of this study committee to comprehensively research these potential issues and report back to the Legislature with the committee's recommendations and the appropriate legislation to enact those recommendations into law.

(2) The study committee shall be comprised of the following members:

(a) A representative from the Mississippi Public Service Commission, or his or her designee;

(b) A representative of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality;

(d) The President of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, or his or her designee;

(e) The President of the Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association, or his or her designee;

(f) A representative from the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce;

(g) The Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, or his or her designee;

(h) One (1) Governor appointee;

(i) The Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, or his or her designee;

(j) A representative from the Delta Council;

(k) The Chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, or his or her designee;

(l) The Chairman of the House Public Utilities Committee, or his or her designee;

(m) The Chairman of the Senate Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee, or his or her designee; and

(n) The Chairman of the House Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee, or his or her designee.

(3) This study committee shall meet to discuss and provide recommendations and proposed legislation for the following topics:

(a) The setbacks that are necessary to prevent wind turbines from causing property right infringement issues;

(b) The impact wind turbine installation is having on the aquifer and other nearby water sources;

(d) Potential endangerment of migratory birds and the correlation to the disruption of the Mississippi Flyway;

(e) Adequate decommissioning funds to be set aside for wind turbines in the event that they are no longer in use; and

(f) Any other information deemed relevant and necessary to accomplish the tasks assigned in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this subsection.

(4) Appointments to the study committee shall be made within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this act. At the first meeting, the committee shall elect from among its members a chairman, vice chairman and any other officers determined to be necessary, and shall adopt rules for transacting business and keeping records. The study committee shall develop and report its findings and proposed legislation to the Legislature on or before December 1, 2025.

(5) A majority of the members of the study committee shall constitute a quorum. In the adoption of rules, resolutions and reports, and in the election of a chairman, vice chairman and any other officers determined to be necessary, an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present shall be required.

(6) Members of the Legislature shall be reimbursed in the same manner as reimbursement for attending out-of-session committee meetings.

(7) The Legislature shall provide any staff and other support necessary for the study committee to perform its duties.

(8) To effectuate the purposes of this act, any department, division, board, bureau, committee, institution or agency of the state, or any political subdivision thereof, shall, at the request of the chairman of the study committee, provide the facilities, assistance, information and data needed to enable the study committee to carry out its duties.

(9) The study committee shall be dissolved on or before January 1, 2026.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.