Solar on High-Value Agricultural Land
Rule Adoption Notice
On July 31, 2024, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry (DACF) published draft rules governing a process for permitting solar development on high-value agricultural land (HVAL), pursuant to P.L. 2023, ch.448 (P.L.). DACF received substantial public feedback throughout the rulemaking process.
On August 19, 2024, DACF held a public hearing for interested parties to provide public comment on the draft rule. The first comment period was open from July 31, 2024, to August 29, 2024, and DACF received 58 comments.
DACF carefully reviewed the feedback from the first public comment period and published a revised second draft. A second comment period was open from November 27, 2024, to December 26, 2024, and DACF received 13 public comments. Using feedback from the second comment period, DACF made additional revisions to the rule, which were incorporated into the final draft.
The Chapter 575 rules were adopted on April 14, 2025, and will go into effect on April 20, 2025. The final adopted rule, background information, and permit program information can be found on the Solar Permits on HVAL webpage. DACF will host a Frequently Asked Questions webinar soon about the permitting process, the details of which will be posted on Solar Permits on HVAL webpage in the coming weeks. If you are interested in being notified of the webinar date or have general questions on the permitting program, please email AGEnergy@Maine.gov.
DACF thanks all interested parties who provided public comments during this process.
Contact: (207) 287-3491, agenergy@maine.gov
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