Bost Introduces Bill Protecting Farmland

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today introduced the Securing Our Lands And Resources Act, or the SOLAR Act. This legislation would establish guidelines for solar panel projects on prime and unique farmland funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. This will ensure that rural communities have a say in the approval process for solar panel projects, while still giving farmers the flexibility to utilize renewable energy on their operations. The SOLAR Act will also require that funding recipients have soil remediation plans in place and the funding secured to remove the solar panels upon project completion.

Buy 2 Marquette Catholic Mega Raffle Tickets, Get 1 FREE

Shop Local

Marquette Catholic High School

Get This Deal →

“We are losing precious and productive farmland that is being used up, acre after acre,” said Bost. "That has a big impact on America's agricultural supply chain, our food security, and our local economies. The worst part is, many local communities aren't allowed to have a say in what land is designated for solar projects. My legislation puts the power back into the hands of our local communities by allowing them to determine what's best for the area, not bureaucrats in Springfield."

This legislation comes after Illinois became one of the first Midwest states to strip zoning authority from local governments in determining if solar panel projects were right for their communities in January 2023.

More like this:

Budzinski, Tonko, Heinrich Introduce Legislation to Ensure Federal Energy Investments Create Good-Paying Union Jobs, Benefit Workers and Communities

Sep 16, 2026

Wood River Approves Solar Farm Agreement With Levee District

Oct 5, 2026

Gov. Pritzker Highlights Illinois’ Climate And Clean Energy Leadership At National Forum

Sep 23, 2026

Madison County directs more than $18 million toward stormwater, flood mitigation

Oct 28, 2026

Alton Speaker Series Opens With Solar Energy Discussion

Sep 5, 2026