MUHLENBERG COUNTY, KY. (WEHT) — As work continues to bring a proposed solar farm to Muhlenberg County, residents who say it could be in their backyards voice concerns.
“It affects our lives and our homes,” one concerned resident says.
“Lost City Renewables” says it wants to put a 250 megawatt solar farm east of Penrod. Some residents say it could bring down property values.
“We picked Muhlenberg County and Dunmor for our retirement home. We have family up there and spend time with family. We like to sit on the front porch and the back porch. We have deer that come to our land and up to the fruit trees. We will not be able to see them because of it [the solar plant] surrounding us on three different sides,” one resident says.
The proposed site is between Dunmor and Penrod. Farmers in the area say it could change the ecosystem and impact crops. Right now, it is empty land, with fields and trees, and farmers say they want to keep it that way.
“If you are replacing trees with large solar panels and concrete… it will impact the ecosystem and microecosystem. The bugs in the ground that help us produce fruits and vegetables will be nonexistent. We also have a lot of endangered species,” says Keria Elitzer, who owns land near the proposed site.
Others say it could bring more business to the county and give the economy a financial boost.
“I urge the PRC to approve this project. From a tax revenue standpoint, bringing more power to the grid and putting local people from the local 1392 in the surrounding counties, it is a win-win for this community,” says a man who came on behalf of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, the Kentucky Labors District Council and the Local 1392.
Nothing is set in stone yet. A formal hearing is scheduled for 9 am EST on June 11th at the Public Service Commission in Franfort. The public is invited to attend.
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