ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

HB2702: energy projects; grazing operations; compensation

Sponsor: Representative Nguyen, LD 1

Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Overview

Prohibits a business from contracting or subcontracting to build a solar or wind energy project that reduces the size of a grazing lessee's operation unless the lessee is compensated for certain costs.

History

Someone can lease allotments of state trust lands or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands or obtain permits on national forest lands for grazing livestock. The terms and conditions of these leases vary, particularly when a solar or wind development is planned for the same area. For example, when public lands are used for a purpose that precludes livestock grazing, the BLM will give the permittee at least two years' notice before the grazing permit/lease and grazing preferences are cancelled (43 Code of Federal Regulations § 4110.4-2(b)).

Provisions

1. Prohibits a business from contracting or subcontracting with a resident or business in Arizona to construct a solar or wind energy project that reduces the size of a grazing lessee's grazing operation unless the business compensates the grazing lessee for:

a) loss of profits;

b) loss in value of the grazing operation;

c) cost to relocate the grazing operation; or

d) cost to mitigate losses due to the reduction of the grazing operation. (Sec. 1)

2. Requires a grazing lessee to provide credible evidence that certifies the amount of their expenses before being compensated. (Sec. 1)

3. Defines grazing lessee. (Sec. 1)

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7. HB 2702

8. Initials PAB Page 0 Natural Resources, Energy & Water

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