Bill > AB1156

This bill updates California's solar-use easement laws to facilitate solar energy development on agricultural lands, particularly in areas with limited agricultural productivity. The bill expands the definition of solar-use easements to include energy storage and appurtenant renewable energy facilities, and modifies the process for converting Williamson Act agricultural contracts into solar-use easements. Key provisions include requiring the Department of Conservation to determine parcel eligibility for solar-use easements upon landowner request, expanding criteria for eligible lands to include areas with insufficient water for agricultural production, and mandating that solar facilities enter into community benefits agreements with local governments. The bill also requires landowners to notify local workforces about proposed solar-use easements and provides a streamlined process for converting agricultural contracts. Additionally, the bill exempts the entry or recordation of solar-use easements from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, though the solar facilities themselves remain subject to environmental review. The legislation is part of California's broader efforts to accelerate renewable energy deployment while protecting agricultural lands and supporting local communities, with the goal of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2045.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1156