Bill > H3526

This bill establishes new regulations for large-scale solar energy installations on agricultural or recreational land owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill defines key terms, including "large-scale solar energy installation" as a ground-mounted solar system occupying more than 5 acres, and clarifies what constitutes agricultural and recreational land. Under the new provisions, no large-scale solar energy installation can be constructed on agricultural or recreational land unless the commissioner first certifies that an equivalent amount of land of similar quality will be dedicated to agricultural or recreational use. The commissioner must record this certification in the registry of deeds at least 30 days before the solar installation begins, and the certification must specifically identify both the parcel where the solar installation will be located and the parcel that will be dedicated to agricultural or recreational purposes. This legislation aims to protect the Commonwealth's agricultural and recreational lands while simultaneously promoting solar energy development by ensuring land use compensation when solar projects are proposed on these types of areas.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3526