An Act relative to the separation of agricultural land for renewable energy purposes
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to take a stance, submit a written position, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to allow for the separation of agricultural land in Massachusetts for the development of renewable energy projects. It seeks to create a process for designating specific portions of farmland for solar, wind, or other renewable energy uses, while still preserving the overall agricultural land. The goal is to balance the state’s energy needs with the importance of maintaining its agricultural sector. This legislation is based on a petition and accompanying bill.
Key provisions
- Establishes a process for designating agricultural land for renewable energy development.
- Requires the creation of a renewable energy land designation process.
- Specifies criteria for determining suitable agricultural land for renewable energy projects.
- Addresses potential impacts on agricultural productivity and farmland preservation.
- Requires the Department of Agricultural Resources to oversee the designation process.
Who is affected
- Farmers
- Agricultural Landowners
- Renewable Energy Developers
- The State of Massachusetts
- The Department of Agricultural Resources
Notable changes
- Introduces a framework for integrating renewable energy development with agricultural land use.
- Potentially allows for the use of farmland for renewable energy, which could alter existing land-use regulations.
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
5 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Revenue
Cosponsors
Christopher Richard Flanagan
Kathleen R. LaNatra
Michael D. Brady
Norman J. Orrall
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours