Gov. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., has signed into law a bill that changes wind tower easements, BusinessWeek reports.
The measure bars wind energy developers from requiring landowners to keep the terms of easement contracts confidential. Easements or leases also cannot be finalized for 10 days after an offer, giving landowners time to study the deal.
The new law also will give developers up to 12 years to begin construction of large-capacity wind farms that involve electrical transmission lines. This is an exception to the law requiring smaller projects to start within five years of an easement.
SOURCE: BusinessWeek
