Clearfield County, PA — “It appears very misleading.” That’s how native residents mentioned they felt at a gathering a few photo voltaic firm that’s mentioned to be seeking to construct a photo voltaic farm of their neighborhood. They got here collectively in Clearfield county on Friday, after a just lately found proposal for a “large-scale” photo voltaic farm was in its planning levels.
They mentioned the challenge was proposed by ‘Swift Current Energy.’ Organizers say this gathering on the Leconte Mills Fire Hall in Girard Township is geared toward figuring out an motion plan towards the measure, which is reportedly fueled by federal funding.
Residents informed me they solely just lately realized in regards to the challenge plans. They mentioned they weren’t conscious of the plans for the photo voltaic farm which was mentioned to have began 2 years in the past.
Residents say they need town to inform them sooner. “We’re our personal worst enemy on the subject of this stuff as a result of if we do not get entangled, after which one thing comes alongside, we need to get a bunch of pitchforks and stuff, and attempt to burn a factor.” One resident mentioned they felt the worth of their houses would lower if the panels had been seen on them.
“My ardour for making an attempt to do one thing is to assist my funding, as a result of it does not matter what the paperwork seems to be like from town. It seems to be like we’ll be let in.” by Lisa Leete.
Residents informed me different causes for opposing the photo voltaic farm embody restricted wildlife motion, considerations in regards to the reflection of photo voltaic panels, deforestation, and the place engineers overseeing the challenge say the electrical energy goes. “So that energy has to go to New York. Instead of pulling from different areas of Pennsylvania, it is going to energy it and hold different native energy sources higher. mentioned engineers trying on the challenge.
Engineers additionally say they’re keen to hearken to individuals about their considerations, they usually say they hope the transfer shall be a worthwhile funding for the neighborhood in the long term.
Legal staff on the assembly, who shared their experience, mentioned that given a allow for the challenge has been signed, there may be solely a lot that may be performed to attempt to cease the challenge. A petition towards the transfer was reportedly put collectively by residents.
Residents say they hope to take their considerations on to native leaders at a Girard Township assembly on July tenth.