An act to amend the executive law, in relation to the major renewable energy development program; to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to establishing the significant farmland identification program; to amend the state finance law, in relation to establishing the farmland and agricultural preservation fund; and to provide for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof

This bill would create the Significant Farmland Preservation Act to preserve nationally significant farmland while encouraging the development of renewables. If the siting of renewable energy infrastructure is unable to minimize impact on farmland, the Office of Renewable Energy Siting will require that the applicant pay a fee to the newly created farmland and agricultural preservation fund. This bill also establishes the significant farmland identification program.