Environment (Conservation · Rural Communities)

States that it is of vital importance to protect Illinois farmland from irreversible conversion and fragmentation due to solar, industrial, and other large-scale developments. Affirms that farmland protection is consistent with and complementary to the goals of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and should be considered in clean-energy planning and implementation. Urges State agencies, local governments, and developers to prioritize renewable-energy and infrastructure projects on non-agricultural lands whenever practicable and to minimize impacts on prime farmland and farmland of statewide importance. Supports renewable-energy siting practices that protect soil health, drainage infrastructure, and long-term agricultural productivity, including appropriate decommissioning and land-restoration standards. Encourages transparent decision-making and meaningful community engagement to ensure that agricultural landowners and rural communities are protected from unintended long-term harm.