Requests the Department of Economic Development and the State Board of Commerce and Industry to suspend certain tax incentives, subsidies, and other public financial support for certain utility scale solar projects
Impact
The resolution aims to address the rapid increase in solar developments that could potentially threaten the stability of farmland and the electric grid. Stakeholders have expressed apprehension regarding the terms of leases between solar developers and private landowners, highlighting risks to landowner rights, including equipment removal obligations upon lease termination. By seeking a temporary halt to new financial incentives, the resolution emphasizes the need for a more structured regulatory framework governing solar energy development, similar to that already in place for traditional energy sectors.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution No. 40 (HCR40) urges the Department of Economic Development and the State Board of Commerce and Industry to suspend the Louisiana Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program and other financial supports related to utility scale solar projects. This suspension is proposed until thirty days after the final adjournment of the 2021 Regular Legislative Session, particularly affecting projects not managed by the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority or municipal systems. The resolution was motivated by growing concerns about the implications solar leasing has on land use, property rights, and the electric grid stability in Louisiana.
Sentiment
Sentiment around HCR40 is mixed but largely aligns with concerns for landowner protections and regulatory oversight. Supporters of the resolution argue that suspending tax incentives for these projects is necessary to provide clarity and protect the public interest. They believe it is crucial to prevent hasty solar expansions that could lead to unchecked land leasing and utility grid issues. On the other hand, some critics might view this resolution as a hindrance to the advancement of renewable energy projects, which are essential for modern energy solutions.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HCR40 include the balancing of economic growth through renewable energy initiatives against the need for robust regulations to safeguard land use and property rights. Proponents of the bill are focused on ensuring that solar project developments follow established regulatory processes, while opponents may argue that this could stall progress in renewable energy adoption. The conversation highlights an ongoing debate between fostering new energy solutions and maintaining order and stability in land use across Louisiana.
Requests the Department of Economic Development to study and report on commercial activities by state-owned companies or organizations in and subsidized by certain foreign governments and requests the state treasurer to certify that no public funds are used to support commercial activities in foreign governments
Requests the Department of Economic Development to study and report on commercial activities by state-owned companies or organizations based in and subsidized by certain foreign governments and requests the state treasurer to certify that no public funds are used to support commercial activities in certain foreign governments
Resolve, to Implement a 4-year Moratorium on Solar Energy Subsidies and Direct the Department of Environmental Protection to Study the Economic Impact of Industrial Solar Energy Projects
Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Propose Legislation That Establishes Incentives For Firm Renewable Electricity Generation.
Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Propose Legislation That Establishes Incentives For Firm Renewable Electricity Generation.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.