Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB480

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/12/23
• Refer: 10/12/23
• Report Pass: 1/18/24
• Refer: 1/18/24
• Engrossed: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/26/24
• Refer: 2/5/24
• Enrolled: 2/15/24
• Vetoed: 3/29/24
• Failed: 5/15/24

Caption

Eligibility for farmland preservation tax credits. (FE)

Impact

If passed, AB480 would create a clear distinction between agricultural land utilized for farming and land that is converted for solar energy production, which may not be immediately linked to agricultural activities. This is significant as it seeks to protect farmland from being lost to solar energy developments, which have been increasingly popular in recent years. By disallowing tax credits in specific scenarios, the bill may discourage farmers from integrating solar technologies into their operations if it implicates the loss of financial benefits.

Summary

Assembly Bill 480 introduces modifications to the eligibility criteria for farmland preservation tax credits in Wisconsin. Specifically, the bill stipulates that any taxpayer cannot claim these credits for land which has a photovoltaic solar energy system installed on it, unless that system is considered ancillary to agricultural use. This legislative move reflects an intention to prioritize land meant strictly for agricultural use, thereby potentially impacting existing and future renewable energy projects on farmland.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions regarding Wisconsin’s balance between agricultural interests and renewable energy growth. Proponents assert that the bill is essential for preserving agricultural land integrity and ensuring that these lands remain productive for food production rather than being repurposed for energy generation. On the other hand, critics have raised concerns about the potential negative implications for the adoption of renewable energy sources, which play a crucial role in environmental sustainability and combating climate change.