This bill enacts provisions related to utility scale solar power plants.
This bill:
- defines terms;
- establishes eligibility criteria for state incentives for solar power plants based on land characteristics;
- provides for reduction of incentives for solar power plants located on certain protected farmland;
- creates exemptions for solar power plants with existing agreements or incentives;
- requires wildlife impact consultation with state or federal agencies for solar power plants;
- establishes requirements for decommissioning plans and financial assurance for solar power plants;
- creates a permitting process for solar power plants;
- requires submission and approval of site and development plans before permit approval;
- requires consultation with agriculture protection area advisory boards and the Department of Agriculture and Food when solar power plants may affect lands within or adjacent to agriculture protection areas; and
- provides for severability.
Recommended by: Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee