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AB 1156

Solar-use easements: suspension of Williamson Act contracts: terms of easement: termination.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Buffy Wicks

AB 1156 allows California landowners to convert agricultural land to solar-use easements, boosting renewable energy while ensuring community benefits and streamlined processes.

In Senate. Held at Desk.
#solar-useeasements #suspensionofwilliamsonactcontracts #termination #termsofeasement
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Bill Summary · AB 1156

Summary of AB 1156: Solar-Use Easements and Williamson Act Contracts

Bill Number: AB 1156
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Status: Ordered to inactive file at the request of Assembly Member Wicks.

Purpose and Intent

AB 1156 aims to amend the California Land Conservation Act of 1965, known as the Williamson Act, to facilitate the conversion of agricultural land use to solar energy production. The bill seeks to streamline the process for landowners to enter into solar-use easements while ensuring that agricultural land can be effectively utilized for renewable energy projects.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition of Solar-Use Easement:

    • The bill expands the definition of "solar-use easement" to include not only photovoltaic solar facilities but also solar energy storage and other appurtenant renewable energy facilities.

  2. Conversion of Williamson Act Contracts:

    • Instead of requiring the rescission of Williamson Act contracts, the bill mandates the conversion of these contracts into solar-use easements for the duration of the easement, contingent upon eligibility determined by the Department of Conservation.

  3. Eligibility Criteria:

    • The Department of Conservation is required to determine eligibility based on a landowner's request, rather than a city or county request. The criteria for eligibility include:
      • Land with insufficient surface water or groundwater leading to reduced agricultural production.
      • Land designated as prime farmland, unique farmland, or farmland of statewide importance may qualify if there are limitations on agricultural use due to insufficient water supplies.
      • Historical use as cropland and whether the land is encumbered by a conservation easement or enrolled in a land conservation program.

  4. Determination Timeline:

    • The Department of Conservation must issue a determination of eligibility within 120 days of receiving a completed application, with any application not rejected within this timeframe deemed approved.

  5. Notification Requirements:

    • Landowners must notify relevant workforce members in writing at least 14 days before a city or county meeting to decide on entering into a solar-use easement.

  6. Mitigation Measures:

    • The bill requires that mitigation measures related to the solar-use easement must have a direct connection to the impacts being mitigated and be proportional to those impacts. It removes the requirement for landowners to post performance bonds for restoration.

  7. Community Benefits Agreement:

    • As a condition of entering into a solar-use easement, photovoltaic solar facilities must enter into a community benefits agreement with the city or county.

  8. Legal Provisions:

    • The bill prohibits the issuance of construction permits that would violate the easement and removes the ability for individuals or entities to seek injunctions against violations. It also eliminates the court's authority to award litigation costs to prevailing plaintiffs.

Impact

  • Landowners: The bill provides a clearer pathway for landowners to transition agricultural land to solar energy production, potentially increasing renewable energy capacity in California.
  • Local Governments: Cities and counties will have more authority and responsibility in managing solar-use easements, including the requirement for community benefits agreements.
  • Agricultural Sector: The bill may impact agricultural land use, particularly in areas facing water scarcity, by allowing for the conversion of agricultural land to renewable energy projects.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill has undergone multiple amendments and committee reviews since its introduction. It was passed by the Assembly and the Senate but has been ordered to the inactive file, indicating it may not proceed further in the current legislative session.

This summary provides an overview of AB 1156, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and potential implications for land use and renewable energy development in California.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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