California Farm Bureau, agriculture groups commend decision to pause AB 1156
The California Farm Bureau, along with a coalition of agricultural organizations including American Farmland Trust and the California Cattlemen’s Association, express appreciation to Assemblymember Buffy Wicks for moving Assembly Bill 1156 to the Assembly Inactive File, making it a two-year bill.
“We are grateful to Assemblymember Wicks for her decision to place AB 1156 on the Assembly Inactive File,” said Peter Ansel, director of policy advocacy for the California Farm Bureau, which represents more than 26,000 farm and ranch families statewide. Farm Bureau and its coalition partners highlighted clear concerns with AB 1156 and note that Assemblymember Wicks’ decision to move the bill reflects the weight of those concerns.
“We are committed to working with Assemblymember Wicks’ office in the coming months to explore solutions that meet both the legislative objectives of AB 1156 and the needs of California agriculture,” Ansel said.
AB 1156 raised significant questions about impacts on the integrity of the Williamson Act, Ansel said, because the bill offered a pathway for industrial-scale solar and battery project development on prime agricultural lands without a contractually agreed-upon early termination fee.
“Guided by Smart Solar principles, American Farmland Trust remains committed to advancing agriculturally compatible solar development that aligns with California’s clean energy and groundwater management goals,” AFT California Regional Director Tom Stein said. “We look forward to working closely with Assemblywoman Wicks and other leaders in the state Legislature to ensure that the Williamson Act continues to protect our state’s most productive agricultural land while supporting farmers who face depleted water resources. Where possible, renewable energy development can and should be harmonized with continued agricultural production.”
Ansel said, "By pausing the bill’s progress, the author is allowing for more discussions on how to balance agricultural economic sustainability with broader policy goals.”
The California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of more than 26,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of 5.8 million Farm Bureau members. Learn more at www.cfbf.com or follow @cafarmbureau on Instagram, LinkedIn, X or Facebook.
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