House panel moves Rep. Murphy's bill requiring 3/4-mile solar setback from parks and WMAs to general register

House File 1852, a bill introduced by Representative Kelly Murphy to require a three-quarter-mile setback for new large-scale solar projects from state parks, county parks and wildlife management areas (WMAs), was re-referred to the general register after a roll-call vote of 8-7 in the Minnesota House Committee on Energy Finance and Policy.

Representative Kelly Murphy, the bill author, opened discussion by saying, "House file 18 52 establishes a solar setback, to help protect our county parks, our state parks, and wildlife management areas." Murphy described the measure as intended to protect habitat, provide safe space for hunters and preserve public investments in natural-resource lands.

Supporters, including Eric Simonson, a lobbyist for the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, testified in favor. Simonson said the association, which he described as representing more than 11,000 members, supports the setback ‘‘especially as it relates to WMAs.’’ He told the committee WMAs cover about 1,300,000 acres statewide and stressed that many hunters rely on public lands; he said the setback would reduce the risk of "unintended damage" to energy equipment and would give hunters "a buffer zone." "Hunters take safety very seriously," Simonson said.

Trade groups and industry representatives opposed the measure. Madeline Smarillo of the American Clean Power Association testified against the bill, saying, "the 3 quarter of a mile setback is not grounded in science." Smillo argued that utility-scale solar can be sited to benefit pollinators and habitat and warned the setback would "jeopardize the property rights of surrounding landowners." George Jamie, director of government affairs for Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (SEAM), said the bill would "significantly…