JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Missouri bill would impose a statewide moratorium on all solar construction projects in the state for nearly two years, or potentially longer, if enacted into law.
Missouri State Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin (R-District 18) has sponsored SB 849 for the ongoing legislative session in an apparent effort to establish oversight for large-scale solar projects.
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The bill would halt all “new and current” commercial-scale solar power installations in Missouri until at least Dec. 31, 2027.
Under the bill, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources would be directed to develop new environmental regulations that govern the “construction, placement and operation” of any future solar projects. Any new rules would be required to fully comply with Missouri’s administrative procedures law.
If approved into law, the bill would immediately halt any solar project construction due to an “emergency” clause. If a construction project was ongoing, but not complete, it would be suspended until at least the moratorium expires. The bill would further restrict state agencies from issuing new permits for any future solar projects through at least next year.
If the Missouri DNR does not finalize the required regulations by Dec. 31, 2027, the moratorium would remain in place indefinitely until rules are adopted.
The bill also includes broad definitions of “solar projects” as ones that involve interconnected photovoltaic panels or arrays that convert sunlight into electricity. Based on the definitions, the moratorium would apply to projects that include typical solar on-site equipment, such as electrical collection lines, battery storage systems, transformers, substations and maintenance facilities.
Energy analysts say the proposal could pause dozens of developments already moving through local approval processes. Missouri has seen rapid growth in utility-scale solar over the past five years as power providers look to diversify energy portfolios and meet corporate sustainability commitments. A freeze on construction, even temporarily, could affect planned investments, supply-chain contracts, and job creation tied to renewable energy.
Local governments would also face uncertainty over zoning and tax-revenue projections connected to solar farms. Several rural counties have negotiated road-improvement agreements and lease payments with developers that could be delayed if SB 849 becomes law.
Opponents of large-scale solar panels may be concerned over agricultural land uses, wildlife impacts and local zoning authority, while supporters may feel solar development is crucial to expanding renewable energy sources, attracting investment and meeting future energy demands.
The bill has had two readings on the Senate floor and cleared a Senate energy and environment committee as of Tuesday, according to the bill’s online tracker. It’s uncertain how much support the proposal has among Missouri lawmakers at large.
Backers of the legislation argue that Missouri lacks consistent statewide standards for how large solar arrays interact with farmland, drainage systems and neighboring properties. They contend that the pause would give regulators time to craft rules addressing decommissioning plans, storm-water management, and long-term land restoration once panels reach the end of their lifespan.
Sen. O’Laughlin has previously expressed concerns from constituents who worry that rapid solar expansion could reshape rural landscapes without adequate local input. The proposed regulations would likely involve public hearings and coordination between state agencies, counties and utilities.
Critics, however, warn the measure could send a negative signal to companies considering Missouri for renewable-energy investment. Trade groups say projects currently under development represent hundreds of construction jobs and long-term lease income for landowners. A prolonged halt, they argue, might push developers to neighboring states with more predictable permitting.
Energy economists also note that delaying solar projects could affect Missouri utilities’ ability to replace aging coal plants and comply with future federal emissions targets. Some lawmakers have suggested amendments that would allow projects already permitted to proceed while new rules are written.
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The proposal arrives amid a broader national debate over how quickly states should transition to renewable power and how much authority local communities should have over siting decisions. Similar moratorium efforts have surfaced in other Midwestern legislatures, reflecting tensions between economic development goals and land-use concerns.
For now, SB 849 awaits further debate in the Missouri Senate. If it advances, the measure would still need approval from the House and the governor’s signature before taking effect.
Originally reported by Joey Schneider in Fox 2 Now.
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