- Apr 16, 2023
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In Minnesota, there's disagreement right now between solar developers and agricultural trade groups about whether solar should be exempted from the “prime farmland rule," which prohibits large power plants from using more than a half-acre of "prime" (i.e., high quality soil) land. It looks like Minnesota's best sites for renewable developments have already been taken and now solar advocacy groups are lobbying that getting rid of the rule is necessary to ensure future availability of suitable locations. The Minnesota Farm Bureau, on the other hand, is concerned that doing away with rule will put farmers in direct competition with solar developers over the purchase of prime land, which will in turn make buying land more difficult and expensive for young and emerging farmers.
I think this situation illustrates the very real hurdles that exist for permitting reform at all levels of government. As long as there are stakeholders who benefit from current rules that are impeding infrastructure improvements - e.g., like agricultural interests in Minnesota's case - it's going to make any prospect of streamlining permitting requirements difficult.
I think this situation illustrates the very real hurdles that exist for permitting reform at all levels of government. As long as there are stakeholders who benefit from current rules that are impeding infrastructure improvements - e.g., like agricultural interests in Minnesota's case - it's going to make any prospect of streamlining permitting requirements difficult.
- Location
- Minnesota, United States