summary
Introduced
02/05/2025
02/05/2025
In Committee
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/28/2025
03/28/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 96 to define terms; prohibit any utility operating under the chapter from constructing a facility that generates electricity using solar energy if constructing the facility would result in more than one percent of the total land area of any county where the proposed construction is to be located being occupied by solar electric generating facilities; amend KRS 278.020 to prohibit the Public Service Commission from granting an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for a facility that uses solar energy to produce electricity if constructing the facility would result in more than one percent of the total land area of any county where the proposed construction is to be located being occupied by solar electric generating facilities; define terms; amend KRS 278.706 to require that as part of its construction certificate application to the siting board, a merchant electric generating facility owner shall certify that no portion of the proposed construction site will be located on land that was acquired through eminent domain and that the proposed site would not result in more than one percent of the total land area of any county where the proposed construction is to be located being occupied by solar electric generating facilities or any transmission facilities constructed to serve a solar electric generating facility; define terms; create a new section of KRS Chapter 416 to prohibit the construction of any facility that generates electricity using solar energy on any land that was acquired by eminent domain; amend KRS 416.570 to require that as part of the verified petition required to be filed prior to an exercise of eminent domain, a condemnor shall certify that the proposed condemnation will not violate the prohibition on constructing solar electric generating facilities and transmission facilities constructed to serve a solar electric generating facility on condemned land.
AI Summary
This bill establishes strict limitations on solar energy facility construction in Kentucky, primarily focusing on land use restrictions. The legislation prohibits utilities and other entities from constructing solar electric generating facilities that would occupy more than 1% of a county's total land area. The bill defines solar electric generating facilities broadly, including those owned by municipalities, utilities, and electric cooperatives, but explicitly excludes small-scale net metering facilities. Additionally, the bill prevents the use of any land acquired through eminent domain for solar energy facilities or their associated transmission infrastructure. Specifically, the bill amends several existing laws to require that before obtaining a certificate of public convenience and necessity or pursuing eminent domain, applicants must certify that their proposed solar facility will not exceed the 1% land area threshold. The legislation aims to limit the expansion of solar energy infrastructure across Kentucky's counties, potentially addressing concerns about land use and potential impacts on agricultural or other land uses.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
to Natural Resources & Energy (S) (on 02/07/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/sb108.html | 02/05/2025 |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/25RS/sb108/orig_bill.pdf | 02/05/2025 |
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