January 5, 2012
Japan

Law eyed to let localities take control of unused land

The Japan Times, www.japantimes.co.jp 5 January 2012

The farm ministry is mulling a new law to promote power generation in farming and fishing communities using renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, government sources said.

The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry aims to establish a system under which scattered unused farmland would be consolidated to make room for power-generation facilities.

Municipal governments would be able to set up councils to coordinate between power operators, landowners and local residents, while the operators would be able to receive preferential treatment if their plans are approved, the sources said.

To consolidate unused farmland, municipal governments would be empowered to transfer ownership and leasing rights as an exceptional measure.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/01/05/law-eyed-to-let-localities-take-control-of-unused-land/