H.R. 1592 — SOLAR Act

This section prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from providing financial assistance under laws administered by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a project that converts covered farmland—defined as farmland under the Farmland Protection Policy Act (i.e., prime, unique, statewide, or local farmland of importance)—to solar energy production. Exceptions apply to projects converting (1) less than 5 acres of covered farmland; (2) less than 50 acres of covered farmland, if the majority of energy produced is for on-farm use; or (3) any amount of covered farmland, if the project receives a resolution of approval or support from each county and municipality where sited. For projects qualifying under exception (3), applicants must develop and implement a farmland conservation plan with best practices to protect soil health and productivity during construction, operation, and decommissioning; ensure sufficient funds for decommissioning and soil restoration to pre-project conditions; and comply fully, with non-compliance requiring repayment of all USDA financial assistance provided. (Thus, the Secretary may obligate but not disburse funds until plan compliance is verified.)