The committee took a recess.

Alison Jackson, Education & Policy Manager, Colorado Agrivoltaics Learning Center introduced herself and her organization. She spoke about the stressors impacting the amount of farm land in Colorado and the potential to preserve farm land through the use of photovoltaics on agricultural lands. She told the committee about the benefits of agrivoltaics, including water conservation, higher crop yields, improved habitat, and economic opportunities. She talked about vegetables and livestock that can coexist with a solar farm. She talked about related legislation that has encourage agrivoltaic usage and the potential for new legislation.

Ms. Jackson responded to questions from the committee on the definition of agrivoltaics and how to expand them in Colorado.

KC Becker, CEO, Colorado Solar and Storage Association, introduced her presentation and discussed the expansion of solar projects in Colorado.
Jeremiah Garrick, Manager of Community Engagement, COSSA Institute, spoke about the existing energy portfolio in Colorado and meeting the statewide energy goals. He talked about where solar is and can be built in order to meet the solar energy goals and the types of acreage that are in Colorado. He talked about farmland reduction and solar projects.  

The panelists responded to questions about build out of solar, working with counties, definition of productive farmland, and working with landowners for solar farms.