The SOLAR Act would restrict the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from providing financial assistance for projects that convert covered farmland into ground-mounted solar energy systems, with several specific carve-outs. The bill defines terms like “conversion,” “covered farmland,” and uses existing law definitions to determine what counts as farmland. It categories projects into those that are ineligible for USDA funding and those that may qualify under narrow exceptions. For projects that fall under the permissible category, the bill requires a farmland conservation plan focused on protecting soil health, preventing erosion, and ensuring long-term soil restoration and decommissioning of solar equipment. Funding would be obligated but not disbursed until compliance with the conservation plan, and failure to comply could require repayment of the funds. In short, the bill aims to slow or condition federal funding for large-scale solar projects on farmland, emphasizing soil health and long-term restoration.
Key Points
- 1Prohibition on USDA funding for projects that convert covered farmland to solar energy production, with clear definition of conversion and covered farmland.
- 2Exceptions to the funding ban:
- 3- Conversion of fewer than 5 acres;
- 4- Conversion of fewer than 50 acres if the majority of energy is used on-farm;
- 5- Projects with a resolution of approval or support from each affected county and municipality.
- 6Farmland conservation plan requirement (for projects relying on the exceptions):
- 7- Plan to protect soil health, reduce erosion, and remediate soil to pre-project conditions;
- 8- Ensure sufficient funds are available for decommissioning and restoration of farmland when the project ends.
- 9Funding process and compliance:
- 10- USDA may obligate financial assistance but cannot disburse it until the applicant complies with the conservation plan;
- 11- If a project does not comply, it must repay the full amount of financial assistance received.
- 12Legal framework and definitions:
- 13- Uses definitions from the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and the Farmland Protection Policy Act;
- 14- The “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of Agriculture.