(Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors took a stand this week)....They agreed to oppose expansion of solar on agricultural land.

The board adopted a resolution at their meeting this week. The resolution opposes the continued expansion of utility scale solar projects on active or historically farmed agricultural land within the district's service area. The district said more than 13,000 acres of Imperial Valley Farmland have already been converted for solar energy development projects that largely export electricity out of the county, providing little to no benefit to local communities. IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader said the identity and economy of Imperial Valley are rooted in agriculture. She said solar has a role in the region's future, but it cannot come at the cost of the farmland, food supply, or families who depend on agriculture.