HB 4887 Summary

• Amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to add "renewable energy system" as a permitted use on farmland and open space land subject to development rights agreements or easements.

• Defines renewable energy system to include wind energy conversion systems, solar energy systems used to generate electricity, and biomass energy systems as defined in the Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act.

• Permits renewable energy systems at farm operations as an allowable use that does not alter the open space character of protected agricultural land.

• Establishes criteria for the state land use agency (Department of Agriculture) to determine whether a use qualifies as a permitted use, including assessment of impacts on farmland productivity, open space character, and compliance with applicable laws and ordinances.

• Clarifies that permitted uses must be consistent with farming operations or open space character and does not include uses that materially alter existing conditions or violate local zoning requirements.