The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish guidelines for permitting solar facilities under development rights agreements in Michigan. It defines key terms such as "amended development rights agreement," "deferment period," "electric provider," and "solar facility," among others. The bill stipulates that a solar facility can be a permitted use if certain conditions are met, including the amendment of the development rights agreement to extend its term, compliance with environmental standards, and the maintenance of financial assurance for decommissioning the facility.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that prohibit landowners from claiming tax credits during the deferment period and outlines the consequences if a landowner relinquishes the development rights agreement. Notably, it specifies that after the effective date of the amendment, development rights agreements cannot be modified to allow solar facilities as permissible uses. This legislation aims to balance the development of renewable energy sources with the preservation of agricultural land and environmental standards.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 324.36104