Carbondale Reporter

U.S. Representative Mike Bost has introduced the Securing Our Lands And Resources (SOLAR) Act, a new piece of legislation aimed at regulating solar panel projects on prime and unique farmland. The bill is designed to ensure that rural communities have a voice in the approval process for these projects while allowing farmers to use their land for renewable energy initiatives.

Bost expressed concern over the loss of productive farmland, stating, “We are losing precious and productive farmland that is being gobbled up, acre after acre.” He emphasized the impact this has on America's agricultural supply chain, food security, and local economies in Southern Illinois. Bost criticized the lack of local input in designating land for solar projects, saying, "My legislation puts the power back into the hands of the people by allowing them to determine what's best for their area, not bureaucrats in Springfield."

The SOLAR Act mandates that funding recipients must have soil remediation plans and secure funding to remove solar panels once projects are completed. This legislative move follows Illinois' decision in January 2023 to remove zoning authority from local governments regarding solar panel project approvals.