MAGA Influencers Love Solar Power, And So Does Elon Musk

The article discusses a surprising shift in attitudes toward solar power among some right-wing influencers, such as Katie Miller and KellyAnne Conway, coinciding with Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s interest in significant solar investments. It highlights the role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in supporting solar projects on farmland through grants and loan guarantees, particularly via the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program, initiated under Republican President George W. Bush and expanded under subsequent administrations, has helped farmers reduce energy costs by promoting renewable energy sources like solar and wind. However, the article details a sharp policy reversal under the Trump administration, which drastically cut funding for wind and solar projects, including over $600 million in commitments to farmers and rural businesses. Despite a federal court ruling to reinstate some funds, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins imposed new restrictions specifically targeting wind and solar projects on farmland, adding bureaucratic hurdles and limiting farmers’ ability to expand renewable energy operations or sell electricity off-site. The article