"While many farmers are choosing to expand clean, renewable energy -- supporting energy independence and increasing revenues of their operation -- we need to support our farmers' land stewardship efforts and help them protect the farmland that is critical to the future of our rural economies and national food security. I am proud to partner with my Republican colleague to lead legislation that will give our farmers who want to expand solar operations the tools they need to continue responsibly managing our soil, water and nation's heartland."