Lawmakers clear narrow fix to ADLS rule timelines to avoid project delays, preserve aviation safety

House Bill 1420 clarifies and aligns timelines for deploying aircraft detection lighting systems (ADLS) at wind energy facilities with federal approvals and equipment procurement realities, sponsors told the committee. The bill preserves aviation safety requirements while giving local jurisdictions the discretion to grant extensions when federal approvals (FAA/FCC) or equipment availability delays installations.

"ADLS deployment depends on federal approval and equipment procurement and those steps can take time," said Peter Colussi of NextEra Energy in testimony supporting the bill. Industry representatives and agricultural aviation groups said the change is practical and preserves safety while allowing projects to come online without being penalized for delays beyond developers' control.

Sponsors described the change as a cleanup to the 2022 law that required ADLS and as a way to prevent projects from being halted when federal processes lag. The committee heard no opposition and unanimously moved HB1420 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation.

Next steps: The bill will be considered by the Committee of the Whole; sponsors and industry representatives said the change would reduce implementation risk while maintaining FAA‑mandated safety protections.