HB 2702
Initials PAB Page 1 Natural Resources, Energy & Water
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
First Regular Session
HB2702: energy projects; grazing operations; compensation
Sponsor: Representative Nguyen, LD 1
Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Overview
Prohibits a business from contracting or subcontracting to build a solar or wind energy project that
reduces the size of a grazing lessee's operation unless the lessee is compensated for certain
costs.
History
Someone can lease allotments of state trust lands or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands
or obtain permits on national forest lands for grazing livestock. The terms and conditions of these
leases vary, particularly when a solar or wind development is planned for the same area. For
example, when public lands are used for a purpose that precludes livestock grazing, the BLM will
give the permittee at least two years' notice before the grazing permit/lease and grazing
preferences are cancelled (43 Code of Federal Regulations § 4110.4-2(b)).
Provisions
1. Prohibits a business from contracting or subcontracting with a resident or business in Arizona
to construct a solar or wind energy project that reduces the size of a grazing lessee's grazing
operation unless the business compensates the grazing lessee for:
a) loss of profits;
b) loss in value of the grazing operation;
c) cost to relocate the grazing operation; or
d) cost to mitigate losses due to the reduction of the grazing operation. (Sec. 1)
2. Requires a grazing lessee to provide credible evidence that certifies the amount of their
expenses before being compensated. (Sec. 1)
3. Defines grazing lessee. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note