By Blake Jackson
Bill Taylor, the Presiding Commissioner of Pettis County, is raising concerns over the growing threat of solar farms consuming vast areas of farmland in Missouri. He points out that neighboring counties are already seeing significant land being used for solar and wind energy projects, with some areas losing up to 18,000 acres to these renewable energy installations. While these projects receive federal subsidies, Taylor argues that they are inefficient and are being pushed despite the inability of the grid to handle the additional power.
A major issue with solar farms is the infrastructure needed to transport the generated energy. New transmission lines will likely lead to legal disputes and further complications in rural areas. Rep. Brad Pollitt, representing Missouri’s rural communities, is pushing for regulation to manage the increasing number of solar farms, windmills, and large-scale agricultural operations entering Pettis County. He acknowledges that rural Missouri is changing rapidly, with farmers seeking new sources of income, such as transitioning to solar farming.
Pollitt believes farmers should have the freedom to use their land as they see fit, as long as it’s within legal boundaries. However, with farm incomes significantly down since 2022, landowners are turning to solar farms for quick cash flow. While some are concerned about the impact of solar farms on the local landscape, Pollitt sees it as a necessary shift, given the tough financial conditions in agriculture.
In response to growing local opposition, Pollitt is working on legislation to regulate green energy projects. He advocates for using clean coal and nuclear power as more reliable energy sources, as the intermittent nature of solar and wind power requires backup solutions to prevent blackouts.
As Missouri aims to double its solar capacity by 2030, the balance between renewable energy growth and farmland preservation will continue to be a contentious issue, with legal, environmental, and regulatory challenges ahead.
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: Missouri, Energy