Environment

Exempts any agricultural enterprise practicing diversified agriculture on lands formerly used for commercial sugarcane production within the conservation district from any permitting and site plan approval requirements established for lands in a conservation district. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Exempts agricultural infrastructure and low-risk green stormwater infrastructure from regulations covering retention ponds. Defines agricultural infrastructure and low-risk green stormwater infrastructure. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

SB 680 removes biomass energy from the definition of "renewable energy" used in the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS). This means utility companies will no longer be required to count biomass energy toward their mandated renewable energy targets under the RPS. The bill directly affects electricity providers responsible for meeting state renewable energy requirements. The change simplifies compliance by excluding biomass from the RPS calculation, though it does not alter other renewable energy incentives or programs.

SB 22 exempts state actions related to fisheries operations and management from standard environmental review requirements. This directly affects commercial and recreational fisheries operators, as well as state agencies managing fisheries resources. The key provision removes the need for environmental assessments or reviews for routine fisheries management activities, such as stock assessments or habitat projects. This change aims to streamline regulatory processes for fisheries management without altering the underlying environmental protections.