Utility-scale wind and solar on agricultural land
Scott County has restrictions on utility-scale wind and solar development on agricultural ground, often tied to corn suitability ratings or similar rules dating from around 2022. Many 2026 Board of Supervisors candidates opposed expanding rules to allow more such projects on ag land, reflecting the broader tension between energy development and preserving high-quality farmland central to the rural economy and culture.
Should Scott County ease restrictions to allow more utility-scale wind and solar projects on agricultural land?
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Sources
Quad-City Times — https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_7ac7627d-f496-4b7b-8db2-f39c91d0b8c0.html
Restrictions on utility-scale development on agricultural ground (e.g., via CSR/corn suitability ratings or similar rules from ~2022 onward). Many 2026 candidates opposed expanding rules to allow more on ag land.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Strongly encourage and incentivize wind/solar on ag land for climate and clean energy goals
- Ease restrictions selectively while requiring farmland restoration plans and local benefits
- Maintain current CSR-based limits and review projects individually for balance
- Tighten rules further to protect prime farmland from most utility-scale renewables
- Ban new utility-scale wind and solar on productive agricultural ground entirely