The bill aims to facilitate the siting of distributed energy generation resources on agricultural lands while ensuring that these lands can continue to be used for agricultural production. It amends existing laws to include new categories of clean energy facilities, such as "pivot corner facilities," which are ground-mounted photovoltaic solar energy systems located on noncultivated land adjacent to irrigated cropland. The bill also defines "agrivoltaic facilities" and outlines their requirements, emphasizing that they must not degrade agricultural productivity or involve the sale of water rights associated with the land.

Additionally, the bill allows counties and cities to employ innovative zoning techniques to conserve agricultural lands and promote the agricultural economy. It specifies that accessory uses on agricultural lands can include solar pivot corner facilities, provided they do not interfere with agricultural operations. The legislation reinforces the importance of maintaining agricultural production on designated lands while accommodating renewable energy initiatives. If any part of the act is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still stand.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.21F.100, 36.70A.177, 36.70A.060
Substitute bill: 43.21F.100, 36.70A.177