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Panel advances bill allowing solar on CLO land with conditions to preserve grazing
Summary
The House Energy Committee reported Senate Bill 915 "do pass" after members debated protections for grazing and crop production on CLO land and provisions requiring raised panels and site cleanup.
The House Energy Committee voted 9-2 to report Senate Bill 915 "do pass," advancing a measure that would allow solar development on CLO land while establishing conditions intended to preserve agricultural uses.
Supporters said the bill aims to increase revenue from CLO land to benefit schools while allowing grazing and solar to coexist. Representative (bill sponsor) said the policy is intended to "maximize the return on that land, which goes back to our schools across the state of Oklahoma." The sponsor told members they are willing to work with stakeholders on outstanding details.
Members focused on how the bill treats land in current agricultural production versus land not used for grazing. Representative Waldron asked whether the committee could carve out sites that have not been grazed for a decade or more so panels could be sited without the same restrictions. "Would you support a carve out that said that say a land that hadn't been used for grazing for a period of 10 years or 20 years would not be subject to these kinds of exemptions?" Waldron asked. The sponsor said they were "open for discussion" and would work with members and the senate author.
Committee members also pressed practical details in the bill text. The bill, as explained to the panel, would require solar arrays over grazing lands to be mounted at least 6 feet high so grazing can continue beneath them; members noted that raised arrays could still limit crop production and prevent use by typical farm equipment. Representative Lowe said crop production on some sites could be impossible if panels are raised but still impede tractor access.
Members noted related legislation under consideration that would require abatement or cleanup of solar sites so land could revert to agricultural use after a project's end. The sponsor confirmed that a separate bill addressing post-closure cleanup exists and that they support it.
After limited debate the committee called the question. The clerk recorded a vote of 9 aye and 2 nay; the committee reported Senate Bill 915 out "do pass."
