Creation Care Mom

The county I reside in, Shawnee County, has released results of their opinion survey about wind and solar development. Not surprising, it was split starkly with 45% strongly disagreeing to any development and 31% in strong support. With these results, they are now holding a public hearing on Monday, May 13th, to hear comments on a Commercial Wind Ban and Commercial Solar Moratorium. This is devastating to me. I want to live in a community moving us towards a greener world instead of holding us back.

Unfortunately, I can’t attend the public hearing because I have a HOA board meeting at the same time. So I have drafted this letter to be submitted online. I refuse to be silent on such an important local issue. If you reside in Shawnee County and are able to attend, you should go and make you voice heard. If you don’t, read on anyway, because you might face something similar in your community soon.

Dear Planning Commission,

I am writing to express my strong support for the development of wind and solar energy in our community and beyond, despite recent survey results indicating some resistance to this type of development. Upon reviewing comment responses, it is evident that there are both legitimate and illegitimate concerns surrounding these renewable energy projects. Many of their concerns can be addressed through careful lease requirements, site planning, and education. However, I firmly believe that the benefits of investing in wind and solar energy far outweigh any perceived drawbacks. Not only do these technologies offer sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, but they also contribute to job creation, economic growth, and environmental preservation. By addressing valid concerns through community engagement, focused education, and transparent communication, we can work together to ensure that wind and solar development aligns with the best interests of our community and paves the way for a cleaner, brighter future.

As our society seeks sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, renewable energy sources like wind and solar power offer promising solutions to combat climate change, reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources, and create a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations. Despite the strength of the negative voices in the survey, there exists a nearly equal contingent of individuals strongly supporting wind and solar development. The 25% who express willingness to reside within one mile of a wind farm and the 35% willing to do so near a solar farm serve as a formidable counterbalance to concerns regarding potential decreases in property values, aesthetic impacts, and fears of decreased desirability of our community.

I offer personal insight into this matter, drawing from my own experiences. Although I have resided in Kansas for the past six years, my upbringing was in semi-rural Montana. In 1999, my father, an early proponent of renewable energy, implemented solar panels, a small wind turbine, and a water turbine on our ten-acre property. Remarkably, these original installations continue to operate efficiently, with recent additions expanding their capacity. While these projects were on an individual home scale, they had no adverse effects on our health or that of our pets. Following installation, local wildlife remained undisturbed, with deer, turkeys, and pheasants still frequenting our property. Admittedly, the wind turbine generated some noise on particularly windy days; however, this gradually became inconspicuous over time, akin to how one becomes accustomed to highway or railway noise.

The benefits of investing in wind and solar energy are numerous and far-reaching. Not only do these technologies produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or other pollutants, but they also provide economic opportunities by creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and attracting investment. Furthermore, by diversifying our energy sources and promoting energy independence, wind and solar development contribute to a more resilient and secure energy infrastructure.

I believe that supporting the growth of wind and solar energy is not only a responsible choice for the environment but also a smart investment in our future. By embracing clean energy solutions, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change, foster innovation and technological advancement, and ensure a sustainable energy future for generations to come.

I urge you to rethink your efforts to ban commercial wind and solar development, considering the balanced perspectives and positive experiences shared. Embracing renewable energy not only aligns with sustainable practices but also offers tangible benefits for our community and environment. With proper planning, communication, and mitigation strategies, we can ensure that wind and solar projects enhance rather than detract from our quality of life. Let us work together to pave the way for a cleaner, greener future that benefits us all.

Thank you for your dedication to advancing renewable energy solutions.

Sincerely,

Arwyn Henry