Central Wisconsin News

Wisconsin Representative Tom Tiffany has introduced the FARM Act, aiming to terminate "taxpayer-funded subsidies" for solar and wind energy projects on agricultural land. Tiffany expressed concern over the loss of "20 million acres of farmland" since 2017 in a statement made on February 27 via X.

"Today, I introduced the FARM Act to end taxpayer-funded subsidies for solar and wind development on ag land," said Rep. Gregory F. Murphy. "Since 2017, the U.S. has lost over 20 million acres of farmland. We can't afford to keep sacrificing farmland for unreliable energy sources."

According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. farmland has decreased by over 20 million acres between 2017 and 2022, with most states experiencing farm losses. Tiffany said that constituents have voiced concerns about farmland being converted for energy development and its impact on food production, as noted in a press release.

Rep. Tiffany's post | X

The proposed legislation does not prohibit wind or solar projects but seeks to eliminate taxpayer funding that supports their expansion on farmland. A report from the Treasury Department estimates that renewable energy subsidies will amount to $424.6 billion over the next decade. The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Ben Cline, Warren Davidson, and Roger Williams, according to a press release.

"Taxpayer dollars shouldn’t be used to sacrifice farmland for green energy boondoggles. The FARM Act ends corporate welfare for unreliable energy sources and ensures agricultural land is protected for future generations," said Tiffany in a press release.

Tiffany represents Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District and was elected in May 2020 during a special election. He grew up on a dairy farm near Elmwood, Wisconsin, and holds a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Before his tenure in Congress, Tiffany served in the Wisconsin State Assembly and State Senate, focusing on tax reduction, job creation, and Second Amendment rights protection, according to his biography provided by House.Gov.