1. In 2016, Minnesota passed the Pollinator-Friendly Solar Act, establishing ground cover standards for solar facilities to provide habitat for pollinators, songbirds, and game birds.
2. The program is successful but lacks dedicated funding, despite an increase in solar projects following new renewable energy requirements in the state.
3. Legislative leaders and organizations have proposed a dedicated funding mechanism through the creation of the nation’s first license plate featuring a solar facility.
In 2016, a coalition of organizations passed Minnesota’s Pollinator-Friendly Solar Act, creating the nation’s first ground cover standard for solar facilities. The standard requires solar site owners to implement seed mixtures to provide habitat for pollinators and birds at a minimal cost. The program is managed by Minnesota’s Board of Water and Soil Resources but lacks dedicated funding.
With Minnesota increasing its renewable energy requirements, more solar projects are expected throughout the state. To support the program, legislative leaders and organizations have proposed a voluntary funding mechanism through the creation of a license plate featuring a solar facility. The license plate artwork was commissioned by Natural Resources Services and funded by Connexus Energy, US Solar, and Bare Honey employees. Representative Matt Norris and Senator Rob Kupec are leading the bill (HF 5207/SF 5239) to introduce the new license plate.