agricultural lessees; energy projects; compensation

HB 2543 requires businesses constructing solar or wind energy projects on agricultural land to compensate farmers (agricultural lessees) if the project reduces their farming operation. It mandates compensation for lost profits, conservation measures, reduced operation value, relocation costs, and mitigation of losses. Businesses must also provide the lessee with a new lease of equal or greater value. The bill does not apply if the energy project allows farming to continue unchanged on the land.