Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Senate panel advances bill to regulate energy storage, urges safeguards for farmers
Loading...
Summary
A Senate committee passed HB 34 64 to set statewide standards for energy storage and solar facilities, emphasizing landowner agreements, decommissioning and coordination with emergency responders. Lawmakers pressed for 'dual‑use' protections so agricultural producers keep both income and productive land.
Senators advanced HB 34 64 on a unanimous committee vote after extended debate over how solar arrays and storage facilities should interact with agricultural land. The bill creates a statewide framework requiring owners of solar and energy storage facilities to provide landowners with access to agreements, decommissioning plans and coordination with local fire and emergency authorities.
The bill's sponsor said the measure is not about setbacks but about ensuring landowners get information and protections, and that coordination with fire departments and local officials will reduce risks. Senator Bourne, who led the most sustained questioning and debate, urged the committee to adopt dual‑use practices that would allow grazing or other agricultural uses alongside solar, warning that "if you are raising cattle for a stake at $35 an acre, and you see solar going in at $1,000 dollars an acre, the cattle producer is thinking, oh, no." Bourne argued the state has the research capacity and institutions to develop practices that preserve farming while allowing renewable development.
Supporters said the bill reflects long negotiations and aims to prevent harmful practices while giving industry clear rules to operate. Opponents and some members pressed for stronger language protecting surface owners and harmonizing surface, mineral and production rights; the sponsor said he will continue to work with stakeholders to refine language before floor action.
The committee recorded a roll call in favor of the bill; the chair declared HB 34 64 passed out of committee.
The measure now advances toward the full Senate, with sponsors and interested parties expected to continue negotiating amendments and technical fixes before final votes.