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SOLAR Act
4/23/2025, 2:25 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1592
The main purpose of the bill is to prioritize the use of USDA funding for other agricultural projects and initiatives, rather than for ground-mounted solar energy systems. The bill argues that ground-mounted solar energy systems can have negative impacts on agricultural land, such as reducing the amount of land available for farming and potentially harming wildlife habitats.
If passed, the bill would require the USDA to limit the amount of funding that can be used for ground-mounted solar energy systems and prioritize funding for other agricultural projects. The bill also includes provisions for monitoring and reporting on the use of USDA funding for solar energy systems. Overall, the bill seeks to balance the promotion of renewable energy with the protection of agricultural land and wildlife habitats. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure that USDA funding is used effectively and efficiently, while opponents argue that it could hinder the growth of solar energy in the agricultural sector.
Congressional Summary of HR 1592
Securing Our Lands and Resources Act or the SOLAR Act
This bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture from providing financial assistance for certain projects that would result in the conversion of covered farmland for solar energy production.
Under the bill, covered farmland generally refers to prime farmland, unique farmland, and farmland that is of statewide or local importance. Conversion means any activity that results in the covered farmland no longer meeting certain requirements for agricultural production, activity, or use.
The bill includes an exception for certain smaller projects that result in the conversion of (1) less than 5 acres of covered farmland, or (2) less than 50 acres of covered farmland if the majority of the energy produced by the project is for on-farm use.
The bill also includes an exception for projects that have the approval or support from the local county and municipality. For these projects, the applicant must (1) develop a farmland conservation plan for the project (e.g., implementing best practices to protect future soil health and productivity), and (2) ensure that sufficient funds are provided for the decommissioning of the solar energy production system and the remediation and restoration of the farmland.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 1592
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1592
Total Number of Sponsors
5Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
5Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
3Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
3Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1592
Primary Policy Focus
Government Operations and PoliticsAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1592
Comments
Ashley Conway
10 months ago
I am so excited about this new bill that was just passed! It's called the United States HR Bill 1592 SOLAR Act, and it's all about promoting the use of solar energy in our country. This bill will help create more jobs in the solar industry, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and lower energy costs for families like mine. I can't wait to see the positive impact it will have on our environment and economy. This is a step in the right direction for a cleaner, more sustainable future!
Malaysia Elliott
11 months ago
I think this bill is great for our country! It will help us move towards a more sustainable future and create new jobs in the solar industry. I'm excited to see how this will impact our environment and economy. Do you think this will make a difference in the long run?
