H.R.1080 - No Solar Panels on Fertile Farmland Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1080, the "No Solar Panels on Fertile Farmland Act of 2025," aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude properties and facilities located on prime farmland from certain renewable energy production and investment credits. The bill targets sections 25D, 45, 48, 48E, and 45Y of the tax code, specifically addressing residential clean energy credits, renewable electricity production credits, energy credits, clean electricity investment credits, and clean electricity production credits. Mrs. Miller of Illinois introduced the bill in the House of Representatives, and it was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to disincentivize the placement of solar energy facilities on land designated as "prime farmland" by the Secretary of Agriculture. This could lead to a shift in solar energy development towards less agriculturally productive land or alternative locations. It could also impact the economic viability of certain renewable energy projects that were planned for prime farmland.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of prime agricultural land for food production.
- Potential reduction in conflicts between agricultural and renewable energy interests.
- Encouragement of solar development in less ecologically sensitive areas.
- May lead to innovation in solar panel placement, such as on rooftops or brownfields.
- Could stabilize or increase farmland values by limiting non-agricultural development.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in the cost of renewable energy projects due to land constraints.
- Possible slowdown in the deployment of solar energy infrastructure.
- Reduced financial incentives for farmers to lease land for solar development.
- Could increase pressure to develop other types of land for solar energy, potentially impacting other ecosystems.
- May face opposition from renewable energy companies and advocates.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is primarily related to Congress's power to tax and spend, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 (the Taxing and Spending Clause). The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, which falls under Congress's authority to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare of the United States. There are no apparent conflicts with individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).