In a hearing on December 9 that lasted more than three hours, fourteen witnesses including Wisconsin farmers, contractors, solar developers, economists and major employers testified today in strong support of Local Solar legislation (SB-559 and AB 493), highlighting how the legislation would lower energy bills for all Wisconsinites, strengthen the grid and return decision-making power to local communities.
The bill would create a community solar program that allows farmers and developers to build small-scale projects (typically 20 to 30 acres) that neighbors can subscribe to, expanding access to solar, while avoiding larger developments that sometimes face local opposition. The legislation ensures that taxpayer dollars are not needed for projects; they are funded by private dollars.
Testifiers emphasized that the proposal restores local control by shifting siting authority from the Public Service Commission to municipalities and towns, ensuring decisions are made closest to the people affected. Farmers described how the bill would create a lifeline for many family farms, allowing them to lease small, unproductive portions of land to diversify income without sacrificing productive acreage. Contractors noted that their highly skilled workers are being forced to travel out of state for community solar jobs they’d much rather do here at home.
The hearing showcased the breadth of the coalition behind this measure. Supporters include major employers, health systems, builders, farmers and clean-energy advocates — including Walmart, Advocate Aurora Health, Arch Electric, Organic Valley, Wisconsin Farm Bureau, Kohler, RENEW Wisconsin, Associated Builders and Contractors and farmers across the state.
The bill’s sponsors, Sen. Pat Testin and Rep. Scott Krug, underscored growing frustration among constituents who want alternatives to large solar farms and skyrocketing utility bills.
News item from the Coalition for Community Solar Access
