Minnesota lawmaker proposes mandate for wind-turbine lighting systems

Minnesota Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, recently introduced a bill that would mandate radar-activated lighting systems on wind turbines in the state. Bill 3792 would require wind companies to implement radar-activated lighting systems that turn blinking lights atop wind turbines and tall towers on and off, depending on whether aircraft is in the vicinity. These Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems can reduce light pollution by remaining dark most of the time, lighting up only when necessary to serve as beacons.