House Policy Shift Risks Rural Farm Income and Solar Growth
By: Blake Jackson
Urban farms can be anchors of community resiliency, supporting food availability, economic opportunities, and educational activities, too. Now, the City of Detroit has embarked on a plan to add clean power to the list of benefits. The Solar Neighborhoods program incorporates agrivoltaics, enabling the city move forward with decarbonization goals for municipal operations. Partners in the project already anticipate that it will provide a model for similar programs in cities across the US.
A recent policy passed by the U.S. House on May 22 introduces a 60-day construction requirement that could end hundreds of solar projects. This move endangers the financial future of many farming families who rely on solar income for stability, retirement, and continued agricultural productivity.
The solar projects supported by Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) have helped farmers generate renewable energy while continuing to cultivate their land, a method known as agrivoltaics. This dual-use model offers a sustainable way to boost farm income, manage economic uncertainty, and ensure energy independence.
“Our farmers rely on the financial stability of solar projects to keep their land productive, diversify their income, and future-proof their businesses against growing economic uncertainties,” said Lucy Bullock-Sieger, Chief Strategy Officer at Lightstar. “Stripping the ITCs away is more than policy change. It’s a direct threat to American livelihoods, our food system, and energy security. Lightstar stands united with our landowners across the country — do not jeopardize their futures.”
FULL ARTICLE: https://agfarmnews.com/news/house-policy-shift-risks-rural-farm-income-and-solar-growth
Contact Meghan Welborn, Director of Marketing & PR for press inquires and speaking enagagements for the Lightstar team.