Senate panel unanimously backs HB 412 to require early DWR consultation on wind and solar projects

The Senate Natural Resources Committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 412 after sponsors and agency witnesses described the bill as a narrowly tailored measure to bring wildlife considerations into early planning of large renewable-energy projects.

Representative Owens said the bill requires developers proposing new solar or wind projects to consult with the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). DWR would have 30 days to identify wildlife impacts and transmit that information to the local licensing authority, typically a county, so that wildlife-impact information is available during permitting decisions. "We're not giving any licensing authority to the Division of Wildlife Resources," Owens said; the bill is intended to inform, not to block projects.

Justin Shannon of DWR testified that the agency is equipped to support the proposal, noting mitigation biologists in each region and an online wildlife habitat assessment tool; he said the measure is nonregulatory and would provide best-practice guidance to reduce impacts on bats, birds and winter-range habitat. Casey Lindstrom of Wildlands Network testified in support, emphasizing that early consultation will ensure big-game migration corridors are considered before permitting.

The committee voted unanimously to pass HB 412 to the full Senate.