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Bill would require cities to weigh rooftop solar before using farmland for energy projects, sponsor says
Summary
Representative Gannon presented RS 3257 C1 to require cities to include a cost-benefit analysis when permitting large new buildings so communities consider rooftop or parking-lot solar before converting farmland to utility-scale solar or energy uses. The committee returned the measure to the sponsor for revision.
Representative John Gannon presented RS 3257 C1 as an effort to steer solar and other energy development away from productive farmland and toward existing rooftops and parking lots. Gannon said the measure is aimed at getting cities to require a cost-benefit analysis when approving certain new construction so officials “think about what you're doing to the rural areas” before approving projects that could convert farmland to energy production.
Gannon told the committee the provision applies to new construction (he contrasted new buildings with…
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