Christian County continues to be a cauldron of discussion, surrounding the proposed 550-acre Oriden solar farm in Dogwood.
A grassroots ordinance from the small community — steeped in research and outreach from Logan County — gained serious traction during Tuesday’s fiscal court meeting, when magistrates unanimously approved for County Attorney John Soyars to pursue his due diligence in seeking a 2,000-foot easement for all solar farms potentially locating outside of the Hopkinsville city limits.
Following the due diligence with officials from the city/county planning commission and Community Development Services, Soyars said this would eventually lead to a drafted resolution — which could then be passed on second reading.
The decision came following an open hour of citizen’s participation from county residents, voicing their concerns about the potential $220 million project that’s already had its industrial bond resolution rescinded by fiscal court.
Brian Burkhead noted that a Monday meeting between Dogwood residents and State Senator Whitney Westerfield went well, and that their proposed ordinance creates the easement for churches, roadways, cemeteries, homes and properties — a common and effective approach.
Dan Brechwald, a 30-year military veteran and Novadell resident, made a number of points in favor of solar farms — issuing that American ingenuity and national security should eventually outweigh a reliance on foreign oil. He pointed to the fact that oil reserves will be considerably stressed by 2050, and that the US is currently No. 9 in reserves with 4% of the world’s known oil.
The other eight countries ahead: Canada, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Russia and Kuwait — all provinces, he said, that are either tentative partners, or national enemies altogether.
Long-respected state agrarian and farming purveyor Wayne Hunt agreed with Brechwald to a point, but centered his time on one specific argument:
Do Americans want an empty plate? Or do Americans want an empty gas tank? And can both be answered fairly and without division?
Living at 7802 Greenville Road, the Noel family noted that more than 85% of components made for America’s solar panels comes from overseas and China — meaning that supply could tighten in times of discord.
Brechwald agreed, stating other national security concerns exist with such a pipeline, but time — and American ingenuity — would change that. He also plans to retire in the area with his family, and has long suggested solar installations near Novadell.
Phillip Garnett stated he’s invested more than a $1 million in solar installations on his farm, but has it in specific locations and out of sight from the general passersby.
Magistrates also unanimously approved another resolution pertaining to solar farming in Christian County, in which the court will not issue industrial bonds until “reasonable conditions” are met by future companies.
Full discussion:
