The proposed bill, General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 81, mandates that the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) conduct biennial soil testing for pollution specifically on nonresidential solar arrays. This requirement aims to ensure that the land used for solar energy production does not contribute to environmental contamination, thereby promoting sustainable energy practices while safeguarding public health and the environment.
The bill introduces new legal language that stipulates the biennial testing requirement, while there are no deletions from current law noted in the text. The initiative reflects a growing concern for environmental protection in the context of renewable energy development, emphasizing the importance of monitoring soil quality in areas designated for solar energy installations.