-Editorial
The Calipatria City Council voted unanimously on July 8, to adopt a formal resolution opposing the expansion of large-scale solar energy development on productive farmland. The resolution, No. 25-24, was introduced by Mayor Michael Luellen and emphasizes the city’s commitment to preserving Imperial Valley’s agricultural economy, heritage, and environment.
The measure echoes recent concerns raised by the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), which has warned that the increasing conversion of irrigated farmland for solar infrastructure is having detrimental impacts across the region.
“Agriculture has defined our region for over a century. It is the foundation of our economy, our identity, and our way of life,” Mayor Luellen stated during the meeting. “We support clean energy, but we cannot support policies that sacrifice our farmland, eliminate jobs, and export energy with no local benefit.”
According to the resolution, over 13,000 acres of farmland have already been converted for solar use in Imperial Valley. The document outlines several consequences of continued expansion, including the loss of long-term agricultural employment, reduced return flows to the Salton Sea, a factor in worsening air quality and public health, and changes to the region’s rural landscape.
The City clarified that it supports solar development on non-arable lands, such as deserts, abandoned sites, or industrial zones, but opposes its placement on actively cultivated farmland deemed essential to local food production and economic stability.
The resolution includes a commitment to advocate for farmland preservation and formally communicate this position to the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. It also calls on local, state, and federal agencies to collaborate on sustainable land-use planning that balances clean energy goals with long-term agricultural viability.
“This action sends a clear message: we will not stand by while our economy is hollowed out and our farmland paved over,” Luellen said. “Calipatria is ready to lead in responsible, balanced planning that respects both environmental goals and economic realities.”
The Calipatria City Council’s recent resolution opposing the expansion of solar development on farmland aligns with a similar action taken by IID in June 2025. At that time, the IID Board of Directors passed its resolution formally opposing utility-scale solar projects on productive agricultural land within its service area, citing the economic, environmental, and social consequences of continued land conversion. IID Chairwoman Gina Dockstader and Vice Chairman JB Hamby introduced the resolution, emphasizing that more than 13,000 acres of farmland have already been displaced—primarily to generate electricity for urban areas outside the Imperial Valley.
The IID’s resolution underscored concerns about job loss in agriculture, changes to the rural landscape, and environmental degradation, particularly diminished return water flows to the Salton Sea. Dockstader and Hamby both stressed that while the District supports renewable energy, it must be developed responsibly and in locations that do not compromise essential farmland.
