Fayette County, Kentucky – A controversial proposal by East Kentucky Power to construct an industrial solar farm on 400 acres of prime farmland in Fayette County is set for review by the Public Service Commission (PSC) later this month. This initiative has ignited concerns among local agricultural advocates and environmentalists regarding the preservation of Central Kentucky’s fertile soil.
The proposed site, designated by the USDA as “prime” farmland, boasts some of the best characteristics for agricultural production in the nation. According to soil experts, only 23% of non-federal open land in the U.S. qualifies as prime farmland, emphasizing the critical need for its protection. Jason Kilmer, a former member of the state Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Soil and Water Conservation Commission, is among those raising alarms. He argues that using this land for solar energy could irreparably disturb the soil, diminishing its agricultural potential.
The project comes amid a broader push for solar energy as a means to enhance sustainability in Kentucky’s energy grid. While acknowledging the importance of renewable energy, Kilmer contends that solar development should not come at the expense of prime farmland. “Once disturbed, our soil cannot return to its prime agricultural state,” he stated. The energy produced from this solar farm would mainly serve customers outside Fayette County, with only 2% of East Kentucky Power’s meters located within the area.
The PSC’s decision later this month will determine the future of this initiative, as it weighs the benefits of renewable energy against the potential long-term loss of valuable farmland. Advocates for Kentucky’s agricultural community urge the commission to reject the proposal and encourage East Kentucky Power to explore alternative sites such as brownfields, rooftops, and industrial buildings.
As discussions continue, stakeholders highlight that preserving Central Kentucky’s farmland is critical not only for its contribution to local agriculture but also for its role in the state’s cultural identity, from producing racehorses to crafting distinctive whiskey. The outcome of this proposal could set a significant precedent regarding renewable energy development and environmental conservation in the state.
The community awaits the PSC’s ruling on this pivotal issue, as they grapple with the balance between advancing renewable energy and safeguarding the land that has long supported Kentucky’s rich agricultural heritage.
