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Members of the Solar Energy Alliance of Jefferson County are family farmers, small business owners, property owners, residents, taxpayers, and voters living/working in Jefferson County. We believe the time has come to support clean, renewable solar power that directly benefits everyone in Jefferson County economically, environmentally, and energy-wise.
There are many reasons to support renewable solar energy and our alliance hopes to positively contribute to a constructive dialogue as Jefferson County begins to look at the benefits of solar power for many decades to come.
Here are the Top 10 economic, environmental, and social reasons why we support
large-scale solar energy in Jefferson County:
Building and maintaining solar farms requires a workforce.
From construction workers to engineers, technicians, security, and administrative staff, these projects create employment opportunities in rural areas where job opportunities might be limited.
Solar farms can generate revenue for landowners through leasing agreements or sometimes land sales.
Solar farms can generate revenue for landowners through leasing agreements or sometimes land sales. This additional income can support local economies and landowners, potentially providing funds for community projects, infrastructure improvements, or personal investments.
Solar farms contribute to local tax bases, providing revenue for rural counties.
Solar farms contribute to local tax bases, providing revenue for rural counties to invest in public services such as schools, roads, healthcare, and emergency services. This can alleviate the tax burden on residents and stimulate economic growth.
Farmers and landowners who host solar farms can diversify their income sources.
Farmers and landowners who host solar farms can diversify their income sources, reducing reliance solely on agriculture. This can provide stability, especially during periods of agricultural market volatility or adverse weather conditions.
Solar farms help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing clean, renewable energy.
Solar farms help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing clean, renewable energy. This can improve air quality and contribute to mitigating climate change, benefiting not only the local community but also society at large.
The development and operation of solar farms can create opportunities for education.
The development and operation of solar farms can create opportunities for education and training in renewable energy technologies. Local educational institutions can offer programs tailored to the needs of the industry, preparing residents for careers in the growing field of renewable energy.
Solar farm developers often engage with local communities during the planning and construction phases.
Solar farm developers often engage with local communities during the planning and construction phases, fostering partnerships and dialogue. These projects can lead to community development initiatives, such as infrastructure upgrades, community centers, or educational programs, enhancing the overall quality of life in Jefferson County.
Some solar farms incorporate visitor centers or educational tours.
Some solar farms incorporate visitor centers or educational tours, attracting tourists interested in renewable energy and sustainability. This can boost local tourism and improve the county’s image, potentially attracting further investment and development opportunities.
By generating local renewable energy, rural counties can reduce dependence on external energy sources.
By generating local renewable energy, rural counties can reduce dependence on external energy sources, enhancing energy security and resilience.
The proposed Orion Renewable Energy Group solar project, Idlewild, offers Jefferson County $850 million in private investment.
The proposed Orion Renewable Energy Group solar project, Idlewild, offers Jefferson County $850 million in private investment that will generate millions of dollars of new tax revenues and economic benefits for decades. Jefferson County doesn’t pay a penny to attract this opportunity. Go to the Orion project website for more information at www.JeffersonCountySolar.com
Overall, solar farming is a positive catalyst for economic growth, supporting local communities, and contributing to a more sustainable future.
I agree with the Top 10 Reasons to Support Solar Energy in Jefferson County. By my support, I respectively encourage Jefferson County Officials to recognize farmers’ property rights and to approve the Idlewild Solar Project proposal that would greatly benefit the quality of life for citizens of Jefferson County for many decades ahead.
I agree with the Top 10 Reasons to Support Solar Energy in Jefferson County. By my support, I respectively encourage Jefferson County Officials to recognize farmers’ property rights and to approve the Idlewild Solar Project proposal that would greatly benefit the quality of life for citizens of Jefferson County for many decades ahead.