Lightstar reaffirms its unwavering commitment to America's farming families as federal proposals threaten to undermine a vital farm viability and succession planning tool for America's farmers - the long-standing technology neutral investment tax credit (ITC).
Recent language passed by the House on Thursday May 22, including a 60-day construction requirement, would kill hundreds of solar projects, which many farming families rely on for retirement and financial independence. This move jeopardizes the financial stability and future of rural communities across the nation, undermining a proven model that supports productive agriculture and energy independence.
If the US wants to ensure a secure American energy pipeline - the Senate must safeguard current solar investments.
"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."
For years, the ITCs have empowered family farms to adopt agrivoltaics, a dual-use agricultural-solar model that allows continued farming while generating local renewable energy. This innovation enables farmers to steward their land, weather unpredictable markets, and support new generations in farming, all while delivering over $600 billion in private investment and supporting 270,000 jobs nationwide. The ITCs have a demonstrated 400% return, projected to expand the U.S. economy by $1.9 trillion over the next decade, according to the American Clean Power Association.
Tom Brown, CEO of Lightstar, emphasized, "If the United States wants to ensure a secure American energy pipeline - the Senate must safeguard current solar investments which have already drawn down significant capital expenses. Abruptly cutting off the investment tax credits undermines the stability of a high-performing industry, jeopardizing hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions in private investment."
Lightstar's mission is rooted in supporting rural property rights, fostering long-term partnerships, and promoting responsible land use. Lightstar is committed to designing solar projects that operate in harmony with agricultural activity, ensuring that land remains in agricultural operation through innovative agrivoltaics. Without the investment tax credit these projects cannot move forward.
"The Senate must act to protect responsible solar and block the House ITC provisions," added Bullock-Sieger. "Canceling the investment tax credit in 2025 means canceling the futures of thousands of farming families and jeopardizing our energy security as a nation. We need more food and energy, not less - and farming families should be able to deliver both for America."
Tell Congress to keep American Energy Incentives in place for America's farmers. Act now! You can support America's farming families, visit:
For Farmers:
Farmers in Support of American Energy Incentives
Add your company to the sign-on letter today to help defend Solar and storage tax credits:
For Farming Organizations:
Farming Organization Letter - Defend Clean Energy Incentives
About Lightstar
Lightstar develops, builds, and operates community solar projects that deliver lasting benefits for landowners, their land, and local communities. With a focus on environmental stewardship and long-term partnerships, Lightstar empowers America's rural families to thrive in a changing world while protecting the legacy and productivity of their land.
