Solar photovoltaic project; decisions of localities, regional energy plans.

The bill requires localities to incorporate into their comprehensive plans energy production and energy efficiency targets based on their planning district commission's regional strategic plan. The bill requires the Director of the Department of Energy to convene an Interagency Solar Advisory Committee for the purposes of reviewing solar photovoltaic project proposals and issuing advisory opinions on such proposals when requested. The Advisory Committee is required to review each proposal and to issue an advisory opinion within 120 days and provide such opinion to the relevant locality. In reviewing a proposal, the bill requires the Advisory Committee to consider (i) regional planning targets for the relevant planning district; (ii) the goals of the Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy; (iii) renewable energy portfolio requirements; (iv) cost effectiveness; (v) the project's proximity to existing energy infrastructure; (vi) any impacts to natural, historical, or cultural resources; (vii) any impacts to historically economically disadvantaged communities; and (viii) any other factor the Advisory Committee deems relevant. The bill requires localities to review and consider such advisory opinion before making decisions regarding a solar photovoltaic project.