This bill amends existing legislation to allow the construction, installation, and operation of biomass, solar, and wind energy generation facilities on preserved farmland without being subject to certain size restrictions, specifically for those located on rooftops, unpreserved farmland, or in exception areas. The current law limits energy generation capacity to the previous year's energy demand plus 10 percent and restricts the facilities to occupying no more than one percent of the entire farm area. The proposed changes would exempt facilities in the specified locations from these limitations, thereby encouraging the use of renewable energy sources without compromising agricultural land use.

Additionally, the bill outlines the approval process for landowners wishing to install these energy systems, requiring them to seek approval from the State Agriculture Development Committee. The committee will review applications and ensure compliance with established criteria, while also consulting with the holders of development easements on the farm. The bill also stipulates that no fees will be charged for the application review process and mandates the committee to adopt necessary rules and regulations for implementation. Overall, this legislation aims to promote renewable energy initiatives while balancing the preservation of farmland.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4:1C-32.4