H4295
An Act relative to the separation of agricultural land for renewable energy purposes
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- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill aims to allow for the development of renewable energy projects, such as solar or wind farms, on agricultural land in Massachusetts. It proposes a process for separating agricultural land specifically for these energy projects, potentially providing incentives or streamlining the permitting process. The goal is to increase renewable energy production while acknowledging the importance of maintaining agricultural land. This legislation seeks to balance the need for clean energy with the preservation of farmland.
Key provisions
- Establishes a process for designating agricultural land for renewable energy development.
- May include provisions for incentives to encourage landowners to participate.
- Specifies criteria for evaluating the suitability of agricultural land for renewable energy projects.
- Addresses potential impacts on agricultural operations and farmland preservation.
- Requires the Department of Energy Resources to develop guidelines for implementation.
Who is affected
- Landowners of agricultural land
- Renewable energy developers
- The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
- Farmers
- The agricultural industry
Notable changes
- Potentially creates a specific mechanism for separating agricultural land for renewable energy.
- May offer incentives to landowners who agree to lease their land for renewable energy projects.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Revenue
Cosponsor
Mark D. Sylvia
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.4295 194th (Current)
An Act relative to the separation of agricultural land for renewable energy purposes
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Revenue Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Cosponsors Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4295
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 7/21/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Revenue |
| 7/21/2025 | House | New draft of H3256 |
| 7/21/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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