The past two sessions I have focused much of my energy in making wind generators a reality in the panhandle area. The eastern part of this district has seen some development in this field of energy production. However, the western end of the district has yet to have any extensive development. With the announcement of OG&E to build a 765 KV line from Guymon to Woodward and a 345 KV line from Woodward to Guymon, the development of wind farms will spread to the western part of this district. The problem now is two-fold.
One problem is to spur the development of feeder transmission lines from wind farms in Beaver and Cimarron County to the main trunk line in Guymon. The other problem is to pass legislation which will protect land owners during all this development. I will be filing a bill dealing exclusively with landowner rights this session. This bill will protect the rights of landowners as wind farm development expands.All of the details in the bill come from recommendations from Farm Bureau. I will continue to work closely with them as the bill progresses through the legislative process. One aspect of the bill will deal with public disclosure of energy production from wind turbines. Many land owners’ contracts have a percent of production revenues as part of payment. This will allow the land owner to insure they are getting paid the proper amount. The bill will also require a public disclosure of lease documents and public disclosure of terms. Paired with this, will be a set time limit for the land contract and option time periods. There has been talk in some circles of separating the wind rights from the land. My bill would ensure that this does not happen. Instead, the wind rights will be made to be inseparable from the land. Another area of concern is the cost of cleanup, in case the company goes bankrupt. This bill would put in place a mechanism to make sure site cleanup occurs, statewide. Enacting guidelines for setbacks is another area which will be covered by the bill.I am still working with ITC to get auxiliary lines throughout the panhandle area. This will speed up wind farm development and insure that it is spread throughout the entire district. I am meeting with the Speaker and ITC this week to discuss some options for this process. Energy development is a big part of the House agenda this session and I feel confident this bill will make it through the process. If you have other concerns or ideas about this bill, please contact me. I can still put amendatory language in the bill. This can be done before the bill is filed or during the amendment cycle. Since I am on the energy committee, this will be an easy process. If you would like to discuss this issue or have any other matters you believe we should discuss, Monday through Thursday, I will be in my office at the capitol. You can reach me there at 405-557-7384 or 800-522-8502. Friday through Sunday, you can contact me at my home in Goodwell or by email at gusblackwell@okhouse.gov
