Developers defend Alabama solar project as committee weighs local control over solar farms

Senate Bill 358, a measure to give Mobile and Baldwin counties authority to regulate solar farm implementation and construction, was presented in committee and followed by industry testimony from project proponents.

Samuel Roar, director of policy and government affairs at Silver Ranch Corporation, told the committee the site under discussion is an industrial timber tract that has been harvested for decades and that the project would help restore soils and support agricultural uses. Roar urged the committee to avoid arbitrary restrictions on lawful private-property use and warned that restrictive legislation could send a negative signal to investors.

Rob Riley, director of project development at Silicon Ranch, described Silicon Ranch as a long-term project owner and an Alabama-based solar operator. "Ultimately, the $350,000,000 capital investment will produce hundreds of jobs and $50,000,000 in local tax revenue," Riley said in testimony recorded by the committee. He said the operational footprint would be roughly 2,000 acres and that project design had aimed to preserve delineated wetlands and ecologically sensitive areas, which he said are regulated by the Clean Water Act and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Sen. Albrecht acknowledged the bill's intent to return local control and signaled she planned a floor amendment; committee members agreed to proceed and took the measure up for further consideration.

Why it matters: The bill balances county land-use authority against private investment in utility-scale solar; proponents framed the project as a long-term, locally anchored investment, while supporters of local control argued counties need tools to regulate implementation.

Next steps: The committee discussed amendments and timing; testimony was recorded in the committee hearing for further consideration.