Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB7923

Introduced

4/10/24

Refer

4/10/24

Refer

9/3/24

Caption

SOLAR Act Securing Our Lands and Resources Act

Impact

The proposed legislation will significantly impact existing policies around land use and renewable energy. By restricting USDA funding for solar projects that lead to the conversion of covered farmland, the bill seeks to uphold agricultural standards and promote sustainable farming practices. It establishes a framework where financial assistance for solar energy projects is conditional upon strict regulations that mitigate the negative impacts of such conversions. This approach reflects a balancing act between advancing renewable energy initiatives and preserving agricultural lands critical to food production.

Summary

House Bill 7923, referred to as the Securing Our Lands and Resources Act or the SOLAR Act, aims to limit the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) funding for ground-mounted solar energy systems on covered farmland. The bill is introduced with the intent to protect agricultural lands from being converted into solar energy production sites, ensuring that farmland remains available for agricultural use and avoids compromising its productivity. The general principle behind this bill emphasizes maintaining farmland's integrity while navigating the shift towards more renewable energy sources.

Contention

The conversation surrounding HB7923 reveals a complex landscape of support and opposition. Proponents of the bill argue that it protects the agricultural sector by preventing the loss of essential farmland to solar energy developments. Opponents, however, raise concerns about the potential hindrance to renewable energy advancements. Critics argue that this legislation could restrict local governments' ability to embrace innovative energy solutions, thereby slowing down the transition to cleaner energy sources. The bill represents a notable contention point between environmentalists and agricultural advocates, highlighting the challenges of integrating renewable energy with traditional land use practices.

Latest HB7923 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

US HB1592

Securing Our Lands and Resources Act or the SOLAR ActThis bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture from providing financial assistance for certain projects that would result in the conversion of covered farmland for solar energy production.Under the bill, covered farmland generally refers to prime farmland, unique farmland, and farmland that is of statewide or local importance. Conversion means any activity that results in the covered farmland no longer meeting certain requirements for agricultural production, activity, or use.The bill includes an exception for certain smaller projects that result in the conversion of (1) less than 5 acres of covered farmland, or (2) less than 50 acres of covered farmland if the majority of the energy produced by the project is for on-farm use.The bill also includes an exception for projects that have the approval or support from the local county and municipality. For these projects, the applicant must (1) develop a farmland conservation plan for the project (e.g., implementing best practices to protect future soil health and productivity), and (2) ensure that sufficient funds are provided for the decommissioning of the solar energy production system and the remediation and restoration of the farmland.

US HB8277

Preserving America’s Farmland Act

NJ A4875

Establishes Farmland Assessment Review Commission to annually review and recommend changes to farmland assessment program, as necessary to ensure fair, equitable, and uniform Statewide application and enforcement of program requirements and allocation of program benefits.