Bill > SB915

This bill establishes new regulations for commercial solar energy facilities constructed on land owned and leased by the Commissioners of the Land Office. The bill defines a "commercial solar energy facility" as a ground-mounted solar panel installation generating electricity for distribution, excluding residential distributed generation. The key provisions require such facilities to be installed on permanent grass suitable for livestock grazing, with panels mounted at least 8 feet high and rows spaced at least 25 feet apart. Facilities must be located at least 500 feet from occupied residences (unless the resident waives this requirement) and must implement soil erosion prevention measures. The bill mandates that the facility owner is responsible for soil erosion for the project's lifetime and must pay annual ad valorem taxes and assessments to the county treasurer by December 31. Landowners can choose to include these provisions in leasing agreements, and the Corporation Commission is authorized to enforce the regulations and create necessary rules. The act applies to solar energy and battery storage facilities of 10 megawatts or larger, excluding existing projects, and will become effective on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause allowing immediate implementation upon passage and approval.