News from the South - Missouri News Feed
GOP legislator pushes tax hike on Missouri farmland used for renewable energy
GOP legislator pushes tax hike on Missouri farmland used for renewable energy
by Jana Rose Schleis, Missouri Independent
February 14, 2025
A Republican lawmaker is proposing to raise taxes on Missouri farmers who participate in wind or solar energy projects.
As utilities and energy developers increase solar and wind power, people in rural areas across the nation have been offered opportunities to lease their land to house a wind turbine or a field of solar panels.
A bill proposed by Rep. Danny Busick, a Newtown Republican, would change the tax rate for agricultural land that is leased for solar or wind energy generation by reassessing it as commercial property.
Busick’s district covers Kirksville and north central Missouri. His bill would nearly triple the assessment rate for agricultural land that hosts energy infrastructure.
“It is a tax increase,” Busick said, “but I think it is designed to try to be fair to the players in this game.”
According to the legislative research division, agricultural land is currently assessed at 12% of its value. Utility, industrial and commercial land is assessed at 32%. These baseline figures are then multiplied by the local county tax rate to determine a property tax bill.
In a hearing this week, Busick said farmers who participate in renewable energy projects shouldn’t be charged as if their land is only for agriculture.
“My purpose is not to attack farmers,” he said, “but when you repurpose your land for another purpose outside of agriculture, I think you should pay your fair share in that sense.”
Busick said the bill would exclude land where corn or soybeans is cultivated for biofuel production.
Scott Swain represents the Clean Grid Alliance, an advocacy group, and spoke in opposition to the bill. He said large-scale wind and solar power plants are an essential part of the state’s future energy generation.
“They’re putting a lot of money into communities and so we don’t want to necessarily tax them out,” Swain said. “If we do want to tax them out, then we need to raise the tax and nobody will come to the state, and that will probably settle a lot of concerns. I don’t think that’s where we want to go.”
This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online.
Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com.
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Luke Altmyer scores 3 TDs, No. 9 Illinois shuts out Western Michigan, 38-0
SUMMARY: No. 9 Illinois defeated Western Michigan 38-0, extending its winning streak to seven games, the longest since 2011. Quarterback Luke Altmyer threw two touchdowns and ran for another, while Kaden Feagin rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown. Illinois’ defense made critical stops, preserving the shutout despite only leading 10-0 at halftime. Coach Bret Bielema expressed frustration at the team’s slow start. Illinois remains turnover-free this season and has outscored opponents 128-22 in three games. Their next challenge is Big Ten play against No. 22 Indiana. Western Michigan starts MAC play next week against Toledo.
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News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Panic and chaos at a St. Louis area mall false reports of shots fired
SUMMARY: Panic erupted at West County Center mall in the St. Louis area Saturday around 2:30 p.m. after a false report of shots fired in the food court. Police arrived quickly but found no active shooter. The confusion stemmed from a fight where a chair was thrown, causing fear among shoppers. Maya Emig, separated from her family, was comforted by strangers during the chaos. Traffic snarled as parents tried to reach their children. The incident, amid recent nationwide gun violence, heightened fears but no arrests were made. Authorities confirmed no guns were involved and no charges will be filed.
A fight near the food court where a chair was thrown at a victim caused some confusion, which then turned into panic and chaos amid rumors of an active shooter.
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
UTVs, ROVs may soon be allowed on Wentzville streets
SUMMARY: Wentzville’s Board of Aldermen voted 4-2 to allow utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) on city streets under conditions similar to golf cart rules. Use would be limited to subdivisions with speed limits of 25 mph or less, requiring valid licenses, insurance, and safety features. However, Mayor Nick Guccione vetoed the ordinance, citing safety and enforcement concerns, supported by residents and officials. The Board may override the veto on September 24. Supporters emphasize personal responsibility, while opponents worry about public safety. Enforcement challenges exist, especially regarding underage drivers. Missouri law permits municipalities to regulate such vehicles locally.
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