This bill enacts provisions related to utility scale solar power plants.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
New rules for large-scale commercial solar power plants (those over one megawatt built primarily to sell electricity) would apply to any facility that gets a conditional use permit after May 6, 2026. Under this bill, such projects would lose access to state tax credits and other financial incentives if built on high-quality farmland, irrigated cropland, or productive grazing land, and would receive only half of otherwise-available incentives if sited on moderately productive farm or grazing land; conservation districts could recommend exemptions from these limits, and projects with existing interconnection queue positions, signed power agreements, or incentive eligibility before 2026 would be exempt. The bill would also require solar developers to consult with wildlife agencies about impacts to wildlife, obtain multiple local permits (including conditional use, grading, and building permits), submit detailed site and development plans for local government approval, and create a decommissioning plan—backed by a bond, letter of credit, or similar financial guarantee—to ensure funds are available to dismantle equipment and restore the land when the plant closes. Local jurisdictions would review and approve these plans but could not unreasonably withhold approval.
Current version: HB0016S02 (Substitute)
Introduction
Jan 20
House Rules
House Committee
Jan 21
House Floor Vote
Jan 23
Senate Rules
Jan 26
Senate Committee
Jan 30
Senate 2nd Reading
Feb 5
Senate 3rd Reading
Feb 18
House Concurrence
Feb 20
Governor Signed
Mar 25
IntroductionJan 20
House Rules
House CommitteeJan 21
House Floor VoteJan 23
Senate RulesJan 26
Senate CommitteeJan 30
Senate 2nd ReadingFeb 5
Senate 3rd ReadingFeb 18
House ConcurrenceFeb 20
Governor SignedMar 25
This bill enacts provisions related to utility scale solar power plants.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
New rules for large-scale commercial solar power plants (those over one megawatt built primarily to sell electricity) would apply to any facility that gets a conditional use permit after May 6, 2026. Under this bill, such projects would lose access to state tax credits and other financial incentives if built on high-quality farmland, irrigated cropland, or productive grazing land, and would receive only half of otherwise-available incentives if sited on moderately productive farm or grazing land; conservation districts could recommend exemptions from these limits, and projects with existing interconnection queue positions, signed power agreements, or incentive eligibility before 2026 would be exempt. The bill would also require solar developers to consult with wildlife agencies about impacts to wildlife, obtain multiple local permits (including conditional use, grading, and building permits), submit detailed site and development plans for local government approval, and create a decommissioning plan—backed by a bond, letter of credit, or similar financial guarantee—to ensure funds are available to dismantle equipment and restore the land when the plant closes. Local jurisdictions would review and approve these plans but could not unreasonably withhold approval.
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Governor Signed
Lieutenant Governor's office for filing
House/ to Governor
Executive Branch - Governor
House/ received enrolled bill from Printing
Clerk of the House
House/ enrolled bill to Printing
Clerk of the House
Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
Clerk of the House
Last updated Aug 29, 2026, 5:26 PM