California Assembly Bill 1156 aims to amend solar use easement on farmland

The Senate Local Government Committee convened on July 9, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 1156, which aims to amend California's solar use easement statute. The bill seeks to address the challenges posed by water constraints in agricultural regions, particularly in light of the ongoing drought affecting many rural counties.

The meeting began with an overview of the proposed amendments, which include a strengthened mandatory community benefit component, clearer definitions of water constraints, and a requirement for advance notice to relevant workforces before local governments vote on solar use easements. The bill allows lands with significant water constraints to transition from Williamson Act contracts to locally granted easements, facilitating the development of renewable energy projects on these properties.

The author of AB 1156 emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that between 500,000 to 1,000,000 acres of farmland are expected to be fallowed due to water shortages. The legislation aims to provide a voluntary option for landowners to generate income through solar projects while preserving the potential for future agricultural use if water conditions improve.

Supporters of the bill, including representatives from Renton and Terry Farms and the Large Scale Solar Association, highlighted the need for new income sources for farmers facing mounting pressures from water scarcity and economic uncertainty. They argued that the bill would create jobs, stabilize local economies, and contribute to California's clean energy goals.

However, the bill faced significant opposition from agricultural groups, including the California Farm Bureau and the American Farmland Trust. Opponents expressed concerns that the amendments could undermine the stability of the Williamson Act and lead to permanent conversions of prime agricultural land to solar development. They called for tighter definitions regarding water constraints and commercial viability to prevent potential exploitation by developers.

The committee members acknowledged the conflicting values at play, balancing the need for agricultural preservation with the realities of climate change and water scarcity. Some members expressed support for the bill as a necessary step toward adapting to these challenges, while others urged caution and further amendments to address the concerns raised by opponents.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue discussions and refine the bill in response to stakeholder feedback. The committee will reconvene to further evaluate the proposed amendments and their implications for California's agricultural landscape and renewable energy goals.