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Committee advances bill to modernize solar easements for Williamson Act lands
Summary
AB 11 56 would update the solar use easement statute to allow solar development on agriculturally constrained Williamson Act lands, clarify CEQA application and local options for community benefits; the committee passed the bill to Agriculture with amendments committed.
Assemblymember Wicks presented AB 11 56 to update California's solar use easement statute that allows solar development on Williamson Act contracted lands with significant water constraints. "This bill updates the eligibility criteria and easement terms, aligning our state's clean energy and water policy goals while providing farmers with new economic opportunities," the author said.
The bill proposes allowing transfers from Williamson Act contracts to solar use easements on lands that are unlikely to remain farmland due to water scarcity, modernizing easement terms, clarifying that each project will undergo CEQA review, and giving local governments options to require community benefits or non‑renew easements when project operations end. The author emphasized the goal is voluntary and reversible: a contract would be suspended, not rescinded, while the project operates.
Supporters included the Large‑Scale Solar Association and the American Clean Power Association, which argued the state must create additional developable land to meet ambitious renewable capacity targets and to provide financial options for farmers losing productive water. Rural counties and farm groups said they appreciate amendments but raised concerns about preserving local mitigation authority and the ability to non‑renew easements to protect public interests; they said further refinement is needed.
Committee action: the bill will be referred to the Agriculture Committee after the author pledged to accept committee amendments and continue negotiations with counties, farm groups and developers.
Ending: The bill advances with a commitment to continued stakeholder work to balance agricultural land preservation and siting needs for large‑scale solar.
