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Committee advances bill to review state surplus properties for renewable use; member flags siting concerns
Summary
Lawmakers advanced SB 1495 to the floor; one member asked DEEP to consider protections for core forest and farmland when reviewing surplus state property for renewable energy siting.
The Environment Committee voted to send Senate Bill 1495 — which directs the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to review surplus state property for potential renewable energy uses — to the floor for further consideration.
Representative (name) and others expressed broad support for using underused state lands for solar and other renewable projects. Representative Steinberg said the bill is “long overdue” and noted the state already maintains property lists that DEEP could analyze for grid integration. Representative (name) raised a concern about small solar projects on core forest and farmland after referencing a proposal in his district, and asked DEEP to be mindful of siting choices.
Senator Lopes, opening discussion on the item, suggested the committee work with DEEP to answer siting questions and to ensure that renewable development does not negatively affect prime farmland or core forest tracts.
The committee moved the bill as a consent item to the floor. Lawmakers said additional technical review and interagency coordination with DEEP and other state planning offices would be appropriate as the bill proceeds.
