(North Liberty, IN) – Tempers flared at a photo voltaic power assembly in North Liberty Thursday evening.
For a number of years, Hexagon Energy has been quietly laying the groundwork for a 2,500-acre photo voltaic set up throughout the road from Potato Creek State Park.
A grassroots group referred to as Rethink Industrial Solar hosted the assembly on the North Liberty American Legion, which drew an overflow crowd. For many current, this was their first time discussing the subject.
Steve Holifield of La Porte County wasn’t the one one in attendance, however mentioned he needed to intervene when folks received a little bit rowdy. “I perceive it is emotional, Holifield advised HTNN. “The crowd went ballistic, as an instance, which they generally do.” That’s when somebody handed him the microphone to get the assembly again collectively. “Like all the time. I used to say at county conferences,” he mentioned, “all of us have to remain respectful and respectful of one another, and that is why I’m making an attempt to calm issues down a little bit bit.”
Most of the attendees, mentioned Holified, had been useless in opposition to the event and had been shocked to find out about it just lately.
Hexagon’s Senior Director of Development Scott Remer attended the assembly and obtained the brunt of the negativity. Moments earlier than the assembly, he spoke to HTNN concerning the so-called component of shock. “You can look; the general public file exhibits that our lease agreements are recorded,” he mentioned. “That’s not a secret, it is not below a secret identify. It’s below Dumont Solar LLC.
Remer mentioned he was shocked that individuals had been shocked by the plans. “I by no means need our firm to be seen,” he mentioned, “as somebody who does issues the incorrect means. That’s by no means our need.”
Remer means that misinformation about photo voltaic arrays usually fuels opposition. He emphasised that the panels are non-toxic and that the installations promote wildlife and crops in addition to soil conservation.
Remer advised HTNN that Hexagon, primarily based in Virginia, selected St. Joseph County on account of favorable laws and allowing necessities in addition to proximity to a big electrical substation. The Dumont substation south of Potato Creek, he mentioned, is likely one of the largest within the nation. Hexagon can also be engaged on two different tasks within the Hoosier state.
According to Remer, greater than 25 landowners have already signed the Hexagon challenge. Between 2,000 and a pair of,500 hectares are deliberate. Remer claims the challenge will generate not less than $50 million in tax income for the county along with further revenue for landowners. He mentioned it was within the center levels of improvement, most likely not less than a couple of years away from development.
Holifield has been maintaining an in depth eye on the proliferation of photo voltaic tasks. He says photo voltaic proposals have popped up in additional than 30 counties throughout Indiana. “It’s a giant matter,” he mentioned. “My opinion is that they are taking a look at locations with dangerous ordinances and governments that may be swayed a technique or one other. They’re providing huge greenback indicators, and to this point we’re unsure that these greenback indicators nonetheless apply.
The subsequent public assembly to debate the challenge is June 18 on the County-City constructing in South Bend.
