Protecting Future Farmland Act of 2023
This bill establishes a temporary definition for "agrivoltaic systems" (where solar energy and farming coexist on the same land) and requires the USDA to develop a permanent definition within two years, considering regional factors. It amends the Rural Energy for America Program to prioritize solar projects using agrivoltaic systems and mandates data collection on farmland types, soil management, and project details. The bill also directs the USDA to create public guidance on soil and water protection for solar installations on farmland and requires a 3-year study on agrivoltaic systems' compatibility with crops and livestock. These changes directly affect farmers, solar developers, and USDA programs managing farmland, solar energy, and conservation efforts.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Sep 26, 2023
Last action Sep 26, 2023
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Sep 26, 2023
Committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
upper
Sep 26, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Tammy Baldwin
DDemocratic
Co
Alex Padilla
DDemocratic
Co
Chuck Grassley
RRepublican
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