Sen. Boren invites Oklahomans to public study on farming and solar energy working together

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, is encouraging landowners and residents across the state to share their thoughts on an emerging and practical land-use strategy that combines farming and solar energy, known as agrivoltaics. Boren will hold an interim study on the topic this Tuesday, September 2, at 1:00 p.m., room 535 of the state Capitol.

Agrivoltaics allow food and clean energy to be produced from the same plot of land to maximize land use, put more control in the hands of farmers and ranchers, and provide reliable income to sustain the ups and downs of farming and ranching.

“This is about putting more profits in the bank accounts of landowners without sacrificing the important use of land for agriculture,” Boren said. “I want to hear from our farmers, ranchers, energy producers, and anyone with ideas or concerns to share.”

The study will feature examples of how agrivoltaics is already being used by energy companies in cooperation with landowners. Insights into energy contracts and what landowners should look for will be discussed by legal and economic experts. The study will end with a review of strategies to ensure landowners are empowered to negotiate for the best agrivoltaics contracts.

“Agrivoltaics make it possible to grow food and generate clean energy on the same land—it’s practical, efficient, and benefits both agriculture and our environment,” Boren said. “I look forward to hearing from Oklahomans on how this could work for them.”

The study is open to the public and will also be livestreamed on the official Senate website at oksenate.gov. The agenda has been posted on the Senate website at https://oksenate.gov/committees/meeting-notices/agriculture-and-wildlife-39

Those with information to share about agrivoltaics can email: Mary.Boren@oksenate.gov

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Mary Boren at 405-521-5553 or Mary.Boren@oksenate.gov