The conversation is solar energy, or should be. Many folks are not aware of the proposed parcels in Montgomery County to be developed into “solar farms.” We aren’t talking municipal, personal or even residential solar, we are referring to corporate industrial solar parks.
As a steward of the land and Montgomery County Soil & Water Conservation member, I see this as a threat ecologically to us, wildlife and our overall soil health. Leases have been signed discreetly on some of our county’s most productive farm ground. Some of which is classified in the county’s comprehensive plan to be of “statewide importance” due to being a flood plain.
What effect will this unregulated development of land have on our food supply and health of our community? Without impact studies, we are going into this commitment blindly.
How can solar energy be considered “renewable” with a lifespan of 20-25 years? Renewable energy to me grows at 35,000 plants per acre and is fed to livestock or burned as ethanol. A large majority of the panel itself is foreign made due to less pollutant restrictions, then imported. If we replace our coal workers, miners, rail operators and truck drivers for yet another foreign made product, we will continue running ourselves out of business on a large scale. Not to mention the negative impact businesses at the local level will experience with the reduction in agribusiness expenditures.
We must push our county officials to view and review our concerns on industrial solar in Montgomery County. Currently, there are no limitations on project size but a mere 200-foot setback from anyone’s home. Let’s put zoning to use in our favor and introduce policies such as fire safety due to possible electrical fires and petroleum based transformers at accompanying substations. But doing so at their cost, not that of our tax paying citizens. Our Montgomery County Council has represented the people well by denying tax abatements to said companies. But, these factors among others need to be put on the agenda and discussed by our commissioners who hold the ultimate decision because this effects every citizen of Montgomery County, for and against. If we cannot stop solar energy, let’s regulate it to protect ourselves and Montgomery County’s future.
Daniel Bullerdick
Crawfordsville
