It’s been at least ten years since the first wind farms were built in North Dakota.
State law says after ten years, the Public Service Commission should take another look at those companies’ plans to decommission wind farms – that is, what happens to the turbines once they’re no longer used.
The PSC will be taking another look at those plans.
"Whether it's traditional or renewable energy, when they're done, we need to take every step we can to return the land to as close to its original state as it once was," said Commissioner Julie Fedorchak. "This is an effort to do that."
Commission chairman Brian Kalk says the PSC is looking at whether wind farm operators will need a reclamation bond, similar to what the coal companies are required to carry.
The PSC will specifically look at the decommissioning plans for wind farms owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative, FPL Energy and Minnkota Power Cooperative.
