# US solar energy development and farmland debates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-solar-energy-development-and-farmland-debates > Updated: 2026-08-24T19:45:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Debates regarding the impact of utility-scale solar energy development on agricultural land and economic structures have emerged in different U.S. states. In New York, state officials and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) have countered claims that solar arrays threaten farmland. They report that solar installations occupy approximately 0.13% of the state’s prime farmland and highlight agrivoltaic projects where crops and livestock coexist with panels. Officials note that many farmers use lease income to expand agricultural operations. In Illinois, solar projects are facing scrutiny over both land use and financial dependency on subsidies. In Effingham, a proposed $24 million project has drawn criticism regarding its reliance on state and federal subsidies funded through resident electric bill surcharges. Meanwhile, in Grundy County, officials have approved a dual-use agrivoltaic project for alfalfa and hay cultivation, though some noted such projects remain financially dependent on renewable energy credits to maintain viability. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Illinois solar projects face debate over subsidies and farmland use Illinois solar projects face debate over their reliance on taxpayer subsidies and their impact on farmland, with some areas adopting agrivoltaics to allow dual-use farming and energy production. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/illinois-solar-projects-face-debate-over-subsidies-and-farmland-use ### 2026-07-31: New York Refutes Claims Solar Farms Threaten Farmland New York officials and NYSERDA say solar farms use only 0.13% of prime farmland, highlighting agrivoltaic benefits and farmer lease income, while debunking misinformation about land loss. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-refutes-claims-solar-farms-threaten-farmland --- Cite as: US solar energy development and farmland debates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-solar-energy-development-and-farmland-debates