Summary

Stops the Department of Agriculture from paying for solar projects that would convert protected farmland to non‑agricultural use. It makes a few narrow exceptions and, where allowed, requires local government approval plus a soil protection and restoration plan with funding set aside to carry it out. Projects that receive USDA funds under an exception must follow the soil plan during operation and fully restore the land afterward. If they don’t comply, they must repay all USDA funds received.

Key Points

• Blocks USDA funding for solar projects that convert protected farmland away from agriculture.
• Creates three narrow exceptions, including projects with local approval and a funded soil protection/restoration plan.
• Requires compliance with soil protection during operation and full land restoration after decommissioning.
• Establishes a clawback: noncompliant recipients must repay all USDA funds.
• Clarifies terms to reduce loopholes and ensure consistent application.
• Limits affect USDA-supported projects only; private financing is not restricted by this bill.
• Aims to preserve farmland while allowing limited, carefully managed solar development in specific cases.

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