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.
Various changes to the unemployment insurance law, federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
County and municipal aid; imposing a city sales tax and an additional county sales tax to pay the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of city and county retirement systems; requiring newly hired city and county employees of certain city agencies and counties to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System; fire and police commissions of first class cities; eliminating the personal property tax; reporting certain crimes and other incidents that occur on school property or school transportation; advisory referenda; local health officers; local public protection services; exceptions to local levy limits; local regulation of certain quarry operations; emergency services; local approval of projects and activities under the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship 2000 Program; requiring a referendum; and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Transmission facilities; installation of large wind energy, large solar energy, and battery energy storage systems; installation of light-mitigating technology systems; and prioritizing nuclear energy resources. (FE)