In the News: 'Unprecedented' energy demand is coming. How hard should it be to build solar farms? - Idaho Statesman

Ada County is debating how strictly to limit solar farms on farmland. A proposed outright ban on solar projects on prime irrigated farmland was softened to “strongly discouraging” them, but many say the change would still block most projects. Supporters argue solar helps meet growing energy needs and provides farmers income without selling to developers, while opponents worry about losing farmland and changing rural character. Aaron Menenberg, RNW's Idaho Policy manager was quoted in the article saying "the recommended definitions are more nebulous, cover almost all the available land and are more susceptible to neighbor frustration with a particular project. Solar can be returned to agriculture use, whereas a housing development or a Walmart cannot."