SOLAR Act
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
The SOLAR Act limits the USDA’s ability to provide financial assistance for ground-mounted solar energy projects that would convert designated ‘covered farmland’ – primarily prime, unique, or locally important farmland – into solar energy production. While the bill restricts most conversions, it includes exceptions for smaller projects (under 5 or 50 acres) and projects receiving local approval with a farmland conservation plan and decommissioning funds. These plans require best practices to protect soil health and ensure the land is restored after the solar project is decommissioned.
Key provisions
- Prohibits USDA financial assistance for solar projects converting covered farmland.
- Defines ‘covered farmland’ as prime, unique, and locally important agricultural land.
- Allows exceptions for projects converting less than 5 acres or 50 acres if energy is used on-farm.
- Requires projects receiving USDA assistance to have approval from local counties and municipalities.
- Mandates the development of a ‘farmland conservation plan’ for projects with local approval.
- The plan must include best practices for soil health and restoration.
- Requires sufficient funds for decommissioning and land remediation.
- Projects failing to comply with the conservation plan must repay USDA assistance.
Who is affected
- Farmers
- Agricultural Landowners
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Solar Energy Developers
Bill text
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Sponsors
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6 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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