Connecticut House Bill HB05139

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/14
• Refer: 2/13/14

Caption

An Act Concerning The Use Of State Funds For The Installation Of Solar Panels On Prime Farmland.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05139 would significantly alter the operational parameters of the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, particularly with respect to how state funds are allocated for renewable energy projects. By explicitly excluding prime farmland from eligibility for state financing for solar energy projects, the bill seeks to preserve important agricultural land for food production and farming activities. This could lead to a reevaluation of proposed solar initiatives that may have intended to utilize farmland, thus fostering a new dialogue between energy producers and agricultural advocates on how to balance interests in clean energy and agriculture.

Summary

House Bill 05139, known as An Act Concerning The Use Of State Funds For The Installation Of Solar Panels On Prime Farmland, aims to amend existing policies related to the Clean Energy Fund managed by the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority. The intent of the bill is clear: to prohibit the use of state funds for financial assistance regarding the installation of photovoltaic energy systems on prime farmland. This proposal is driven by concerns about the impact of such installations on agricultural viability and land use, following ongoing debates about balancing renewable energy initiatives with the protection of vital agricultural resources.

Contention

Discussions around this bill have resonated with both supporters and opponents. Proponents argue that protecting prime farmland from solar installations is essential for maintaining local agricultural economies and ensuring sustainable food production. They believe the bill addresses valid concerns about land use in a state where agriculture plays a critical economic role. Conversely, opponents of the bill may view it as a restrictive measure that undermines efforts to expand renewable energy capacity in Connecticut. They may argue that limiting solar development on prime farmland detracts from the state’s overall energy goals, especially given the urgency of addressing climate change through increased reliance on clean energy sources.