1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to reject the current version of House Bill 1213 and restore its original language targeting data center tax breaks instead of solar energy systems. The rewritten bill fundamentally misses its intended purpose. The original HB 1213 sought to address tax exemptions for data centers—an appropriate policy goal given the legitimate revenue concerns of North Carolina counties. However, the amended version now eliminates the 80% property tax exemption for new solar installations beginning July 1, 2027, which would devastate renewable energy development in our state at a critical moment. Recent data undermines the core argument for this change. A study by the Solar Energy Industries Association shows that solar installations occupy just 0.24% of North Carolina's prime farmland—far less than suburban development (0.87%), golf courses (0.28%), and other land uses. Claims that solar is consuming the state's best farmland are demonstrably false. Are you going to start banning golf courses next? Between 2014 and 2024, suburban development alone consumed 3.6 times more prime farmland than utility-scale solar projects. Solar energy is essential to meeting North Carolina's surging electricity demand. With 100-degree temperatures becoming increasingly common and the grid under strain, we cannot afford to remove barriers to renewable energy deployment. Solar-plus-storage offers the fastest and most affordable way to expand our energy capacity. Additionally, the tax break is not merely a subsidy—it is a vital lifeline for rural farmers. Families like those in Martin County depend on solar lease payments to cover rising fertilizer costs (up 80% since March) and fuel expenses. The agri-voltaic model allows farmers to continue agricultural operations while generating steady income on marginal land. I urge you to support the original intent of HB 1213 by restoring its focus on data center tax reform. Remove the solar provisions entirely. North Carolina's farmers, renewable energy developers, and clean energy future deserve protection, not punishment through misguided tax policy.