WHEREAS, there are more than 60 solar companies currently operating in Louisiana including manufacturers, installers/developers, and other associated businesses; and
WHEREAS, while there are currently five operating utility-scale solar farms in Louisiana, there are approximately more than 160 projects that are either under construction, planned or in development in the state, according to the Louisiana Solar Development Analysis by LandGate Corp. prepared in Q4 2023; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana’s utility-scale solar generation was seven times greater in 2023 than in 2020 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration Profile Analysis of Louisiana on August 15, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana currently does not have a comprehensive statewide regulatory program for solar power generation; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Legislature has passed several bills to amend regulations for various aspects of utility-scale development including minimum requirements for property leases and decommissioning; and
WHEREAS, regulations for planning and development of sites for utility-scale solar developments in Louisiana could include fencing requirements, consideration for wildlife corridors, the use of native vegetation, and promotion of agrivoltaics; and
WHEREAS, there are best management practices from around the United States on the use of wildlife-tolerant fencing, providing wildlife passages, and greenspace recommendations that can be of use to Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, agrivoltaics have been found to be a workable option around the United States, to bring together solar facilities and agriculture; and
WHEREAS, solar facilities provide the ability for planting of native vegetation that is beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife, requires less maintenance, mowing and spraying, and can provide additional benefits; and
WHEREAS, there is ample documentation on the importance of incorporating local and stakeholder input into the siting and development of utility-scale solar facilities.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Louisiana Wildlife Federation supports regulations and rules for utility-scale solar development in Louisiana that are protective of the state’s fish and wildlife, specifically wildlife-tolerant fencing or no fencing, use of native plants, promotion of agrivoltaics potential, and ongoing site-specific local stakeholder engagement for siting and development.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Louisiana Wildlife Federation supports the imposition of a fee on utility-scale solar projects on public lands that would be dedicated for habitat and wildlife program needs around the state as mitigation for wildlife and fisheries habitat loss due to solar construction.
Adopted by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation Board of Directors at its meeting held virtually on February 1, 2025.