“As the representative of one of the most agriculturally rich and community-oriented regions in New York State, I have long championed policies that protect our farmland, honor the dignity of our farmers, and ensure a strong, stable food supply for generations to come. I fully support the United States Department of Agriculture’s decision to stop taxpayer dollars from being used to fund solar panel installations on productive farmland, and to prohibit the use of solar panels manufactured by foreign adversaries in USDA-funded projects.

This is more than a policy change; it is a deeply important step toward preserving our shared heritage. Our farmland is not just soil; it is a symbol of our nation’s strength, resilience, and self-reliance. It is where our families have built livelihoods, where our communities have grown roots, and where our future must continue to flourish.

Across the Mohawk Valley, I hear from farmers who are worried not only about rising costs and limited access to land, but about the growing pressure to compete with subsidized solar developments that threaten to consume acres of once-accessible, productive farmland. While clean energy has a critical role to play in our state’s future, it cannot come at the expense of our most fertile fields or the families who have dedicated their lives to feeding our communities.

We must ensure that responsible land use and renewable energy coexist in a way that uplifts, not displaces, our agricultural base. That means placing value on our food security, our independence, and the countless contributions made by those who work the land every single day.

This decision by Secretary Rollins is a meaningful affirmation that American farmland matters. I applaud the USDA for recognizing the need to rebalance priorities and put protections in place that reflect the voices of our rural communities.

As always, I remain committed to listening to our local farmers, standing up for their needs in Albany, and advocating for policies that reflect our region’s unique values, history, and future promise.”