Iowa Farmers Sue USDA Over Solar Funding
Iowa farmers and environmental groups filed a lawsuit against the USDA after the agency allegedly withheld millions in promised solar project subsidies. Plaintiffs claim the sudden policy shift leaves rural businesses with unexpected debt.
Iowa Farmers Union members and environmental groups filed a lawsuit Monday evening against the United States Department of Agriculture for withholding millions in solar subsidies. The federal agency eliminated solar supports from the Renewable Energy for America Program, abruptly stranding growers with unexpected expenses. The legal challenge seeks to invalidate the new policy and compel the agency to process pending applications under original rules.
The dispute stems from policy shifts restricting solar installations on productive farmland. Agriculture officials argued that arrays consume acreage needed for food production and rely on foreign supply chains.
