Sec. 602. Study on dual-use renewable energy systems
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In this section, the term dual-use renewable energy system means a system under which renewable energy production and agricultural production, including crop or animal production, occurs together on the same piece of land. The Secretary shall conduct a study on dual-use renewable energy systems that shall include— an assessment of the compatibility of different species of livestock with different dual-use renewable energy system designs, including— the optimal height of and distance between solar panels for— livestock grazing; and shade for livestock; manure management considerations; fencing requirements; and other animal handling considerations; an assessment of the compatibility of different crop types with different dual-use renewable energy system designs, including— the optimal height of and distance between solar panels for— plant shading; and farm equipment use; the impact on crop yield; and market opportunities to sell crops at a premium price; and a risk-benefit analysis of dual-use renewable energy systems in different regions of the United States, including a comparison between the total greenhouse gas impact of dual-use renewable energy systems and renewable energy systems that displace agricultural production.
Based on the study under subsection (b), the Secretary shall develop a 5-year plan for using the research and extension activities of the Department of Agriculture to better support dual-use renewable energy systems that do not displace agricultural production. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report containing the results of the study conducted under subsection (b).