MADISON — The Assembly Agriculture Committee today approved Assembly Bill 493, as amended by ASA 1, (9 to 6) a significant energy reform measure that protects prime farmland, restores local control over the siting of large wind and solar projects in rural communities, and expands energy options for families and businesses across rural Wisconsin.
“We’ve been advocating for comprehensive energy reform in Wisconsin for quite some time. It is crystal clear to me that people in rural Wisconsin especially do not want to see our beautiful state — and particularly our prime farmland — plastered with wind turbines and solar panels without thoughtful planning and local input,” said Tranel. “Advancing this improved bill out of committee today, which protects farmland, restores local control over large projects, and provides creative energy options for consumers, is a significant step forward and demonstrates that Wisconsin is ready for real, responsible energy reform.”
AB 493 as amended achieves the following:
- Restores a meaningful local control for large Wind and Solar project siting.
- Protects prime Wisconsin farmland to make sure our state’s $116 billion Ag Industry can grow and prosper.
- Caps community solar at 1,750 megawatts and strengthens PSC oversight to prevent cost shifting and protect ratepayers — ensuring responsible growth, accountability, and expanded energy options for Wisconsin consumers.
“I want to thank the bill authors, Rep. Krug and Sen. Testin, for their strong leadership and for working closely with committee members who helped author the amendment to improve the bill and move it forward. They dedicated significant time to meeting with and listening to stakeholders from all perspectives to find practical solutions that make these commonsense energy reforms possible that will benefit rural Wisconsin,” said Rep. Tranel.
