MAINE PUBLIC • April 23, 2025
Solar developers will need to obtain permits and pay fees to build on high value agricultural land according to new rules enacted by state regulators. Under the rules, developers of solar projects up to 20 acres have access to expedited permitting. But larger projects will have to pay compensation for displacing valuable agricultural soils and receive more stringent review. That compensation could include fees or mitigation such as conservation easements on similar land elsewhere. The regulations were required under a state law intended to balance Maine's goals of expanding clean energy and boosting local food production.