HB2975 state lands; solar score; maps (Heap: Marshall) prohibits the State Land Department from using solar score maps or other similar types of evaluation of state trust lands for its appropriateness for solar energy generation. These maps help to inform proper siting of solar facilities and also can help people better understand what type of development might be constructed near their community.
The bill removes transparency and is contrary to the good planning that legislators say they want the State Land Department to do. It is clearly intended to be punitive of solar as it then requires mapping for mining and housing. This is a real head-scratcher. Why mining maps, but no solar maps? The bill also likely has constitutional issues as it may obstruct what is in the best interest of the Trust as is required by the Arizona Constitution.
Please ask your senator to vote no!
