From: Samuel Overly, Indiana Land & Liberty Coalition field representative
Lafayette
As Bartholomew County considers solar energy, there are several important considerations. As a conservative Hoosier, I believe in preserving our agricultural heritage and protecting property rights. Solar energy projects, when managed responsibly, align with these values and offer significant benefits to the whole county.
Solar energy is not a threat to our agricultural heritage – it’s a powerful tool for preserving it. By providing farmers with a stable “cash crop,” solar projects help maintain family farms for generations to come. This diversification of income is crucial in an era of market volatility and increasing consolidation of farmland by large corporations. Importantly, solar installations do not preclude agricultural use. “Agrivoltaics” – the practice of growing crops or grazing livestock beneath solar panels – demonstrates that solar energy and traditional farming can coexist and even complement each other. Furthermore, the land can return to traditional agricultural use after the completion of the project, giving the land time to rest.
Concerns about property values are understandable but unfounded. In fact, a US appraisal study showed that properties adjoining solar farms match the value of similar properties that do not adjoin solar farms within 1%.
The preservation of property rights is also paramount. Just as we support a farmer’s right to use their land for various other activities, we must extend the same respect to those opting for solar leases. Property rights are essential to our American way of life. I do not presume to tell my neighbors how to use their land, and I expect the same from them.
Regarding environmental concerns, modern solar installations are designed to withstand severe weather conditions, including hail and tornado-force winds. Moreover, they often incorporate native plants that prevent erosion and support local ecosystems, including essential pollinators like bees and butterflies. Furthermore, the materials used in modern solar panels are encapsulated in polymers and glass, making them safe and non-leaching. The water and environment are not at risk of toxic exposure.
Solar developments inject new tax revenue into rural areas, supporting local services, schools, and infrastructure. Often these projects contribute millions in local taxes and decrease the burden of property taxes throughout the county. Concerns about the financial stability of solar companies are mitigated through decommissioning agreements and financial bonds required by local governments. These measures ensure that the community is protected against any risk of project abandonment or company insolvency.
Furthermore, solar energy contributes to our energy independence and reliability. By diversifying our energy sources, we reduce reliance on foreign resources and create a more resilient power grid.
In conclusion, solar development aligns with conservative principles of property rights, economic opportunity, and energy independence. It offers a path to preserve our agricultural heritage while positioning the community for a prosperous future. As a supporter of property rights and local farmers, I urge Bartholomew County to embrace the opportunity to work together and support solar projects for the benefit of the whole community.
