Loading chat...
MN SF3765
Bill
Status
3/22/2018
Primary Sponsor
Karin Housley
Click for details
AI Summary
-
Designates bee and apiary solar farms as agricultural use under Minnesota's mandatory state agency review process and metropolitan agricultural preserve programs.
-
Requires ground-mounted solar sites with more than 40 kilowatts generating capacity claiming bee and apiary production benefits to adhere to Board of Water and Soil Resources guidance meeting exemplary pollinator habitat standards, with regular compliance reporting and on-site inspections at the owner's expense.
-
Mandates annual production reporting to the Commissioner of Agriculture for sites claiming bee or apiary product agricultural production for commercial sale.
-
Modifies solar site management practices to include three requirements: native perennial vegetation beneficial to birds and pollinators, reduced stormwater runoff and erosion, and improved soil health and water quality.
-
Allows agricultural preserve covenants made before January 1, 2019 to remain valid if owners install bee and apiary solar farms on the land.
Legislative Description
Bee and apiary solar farms agricultural use for purposes of mandatory review of certain state agency actions establishment; solar generation site claimed to provide habitat beneficial to bird and pollinators requirements modification; bee and apiary solar farm designation as an agricultural use for purposes of a metropolitan agricultural preserve authorization
Last Action
Referred to Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Policy
3/22/2018