Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person may not construct, cause to be constructed or operate a solar energy development without a permit from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has permitting authority over solar energy development. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall adopt rules to implement this section, which must include, but are not limited to:

1. 1. Administration Administrative procedures relating to the permitting process, including required fees;

   [PL 2023, c. 448, §3 (NEW); PL 2023, c. 448, §5 (AFF).]

2. 2. Permit; standards Standards for the approval of a permit;

   [PL 2023, c. 448, §3 (NEW); PL 2023, c. 448, §5 (AFF).]

3. 3. Delegation Standards and conditions for delegation of the authority to issue permits for solar energy development to a municipality or the Maine Land Use Planning Commission; and

   [PL 2023, c. 448, §3 (NEW); PL 2023, c. 448, §5 (AFF).]

4. 4. Enforcement Procedures for the enforcement of this section.

   [PL 2023, c. 448, §3 (NEW); PL 2023, c. 448, §5 (AFF).]

PL 2023, c. 448, §3 (NEW). PL 2023, c. 448, §5 (AFF).