Solar and energy storage projects; siting agreements throughout the Commonwealth.

Solar and energy storage projects; siting agreements throughout the Commonwealth. Expands existing provisions relatedto siting agreements for solar projects located in an opportunityzone to include energy storage projects and makes the provisionsstatewide. The bill provides that its provisions shall not applyto any energy storage project that has received zoning and site planapproval, preliminary or otherwise, from the host locality beforeJanuary 1, 2021. The bill also provides that its provisions shallnot become effective with respect to energy storage projects unlessthe General Assembly approves legislation that authorizes localitiesto adopt an ordinance for taxation of energy storage projects suchas solar projects with a local option for machinery and tools taxor solar revenue share. The bill further provides that a locality may grant a special exception for an energy storage project.