The Iowa House of Representatives is considering legislation that would require wind energy facilities across the state to install aircraft detection technology for turbine obstruction lights. The aim is to reduce light pollution while maintaining aviation safety. House File 2081, introduced by Representative Fisher, would require obstruction lights on wind energy conversion facilities to be controlled by aircraft detection lighting systems (ADLS).
These sensor-based systems activate warning lights only when an aircraft is detected nearby, instead of keeping them illuminated continuously. The bill would apply to wind energy conversion facilities with a nameplate capacity of more than 100 kilowatts. Facilities constructed on or after 1 July 2026 would need to install aircraft detection lighting systems from the outset. Existing facilities built before that date would be required to retrofit their obstruction lights by 1 January 2028.
Under the proposal, an aircraft detection lighting system must activate an obstruction light when an approaching aircraft is detected or if the system fails, and keep the light on until the aircraft has cleared the coverage area. Any system installed would need approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Exemptions would apply where terrain constraints, proximity to airports, visual flight rules requirements or military training routes make the use of aircraft detection lighting systems impractical. Facility owners would remain responsible for ensuring that compliant systems are continuously operational.
