HB615 is being heard in House Natural Resources Committee on April 23. Go to legis.la.gov to listen to the committee’s hearing live.
Recently proposed solar energy sites in Louisiana have included hundreds, in one proposal thousands, of acres of land. This kind of transition in land use can negatively impact critical habitat for wildlife and change the look and use of an area. What can neighbors and communities do to have a voice in planning? People in rural areas have complained about not being aware of a proposed solar project being approved or even discussed. Some have witnessed negative impacts after the project has been installed. There are best practices for designing a project for a site that is wildlife tolerant and community friendly and it’s not too late to implement prudent rules. Learn more about LWF’s Recommendations and Position.
HB 615 by Rep Geymann would provide for requirements related to siting and approval of solar power generation projects. Provisions include assessments for impacts on wildlife and agriculture. Along with including more regulatory control at the parish level, there would be requirements for public notification before the application process begins. Local folks have an opportunity for input that could make the project better suited for the landscape and their community. These projects can have very large footprints and be sited close to waterways.
Of particular benefit to wildlife habitat, a letter of clearance would be required from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for evaluation to:
- Identify reported species and historical uses, which may include a five-year lookback window
- Impose modifications to the site plan, such as requiring the use of wildlife fencing or the addition of wildlife corridors
- impose requirements related to restoration of the site post-closure and decommissioning
- Impose any other measure deemed necessary to effectively mitigate against the loss of natural resources of the state, offer assistance with identifying alternative sites with less impact on natural resources
A letter of clearance would also be required from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry for evaluation to:
- Assess and determine whether the proposed site would utilize high value agricultural lands, farmlands of local importance, or lands the conversion of which would have a detrimental impact on the economy
- Determine whether the proposed site is located on the least agriculturally productive portions of the proposed site and whether practicable alternatives exist or have been considered
- Impose modifications to the site plan to mitigate against the impact on wildlife and pollinator habitat
- Require sustainable land use practices, soil and water conservation practices, and agricultural impact assessments
- Impose requirements related to restoration of the site post-closure and decommissioning
- Impose any other measure deemed necessary to effectively mitigate against the loss of high value agricultural lands and harm to neighboring agricultural resources
Other requirements include project site designs for set-backs and vegetative barriers around projects, and plans for site preparation that could impact grading, leveling, erosion control and sediment runoff. It addresses facility lighting, signage, maintenance, and upkeep.
The bill would require notice to parish governments, legislators, and adjoining property owners prior to the submission of a permit application. There would be a required public meeting prior to the issuance of a permit.
Requiring a decommissioning plan and financial assurance for removal is prudent. Hard-learned experience with old, abandoned or orphaned oil and gas wells has taught us that the state must regulate for what happens at the end of a project for removal of equipment and any restoration work needed. Or risk being left to pay the costs.
The bill requires a permit from the Dept. of Energy and Natural Resources to operate a solar power generation facility with a footprint of 10 acres or more.
HB 615 is comprehensive in guidance and requirements. It affirms the authority of the Dept. of Energy and Natural Resources for regulation of solar power generation facilities and requires them to make rules and regulations. There’s no time to lose as renewable and alternative energy work expands in Louisiana.
