Bill > H1118

This bill aims to incentivize the installation of solar energy systems on brownfield sites, which are previously developed land that may be contaminated. The key provisions are: 1. Renewable energy suppliers proposing to install a solar energy system with greater than 500 kW of capacity on a brownfield site within a municipality with over 15,000 residents and less than 5 MW of renewable power generated within its boundaries can submit a single application to the Board of Appeals, rather than separate applications to local boards. 2. The Board of Appeals will review the application, considering recommendations from local boards, and has the authority to issue a Comprehensive Solar Generation Permit or approval with conditions. If the application is denied or approved with conditions that make the solar energy system uneconomic, the applicant can appeal the decision to the Department of Public Utilities, which can overturn the Board's decision or order the Board to modify or remove conditions. 3. The goal is to streamline the approval process and make it easier to develop solar energy projects on brownfield sites, which can help municipalities increase their renewable energy generation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H1118