Lexington Weighs Solar Energy Development Against Agricultural Preservation

Lexington Faces Big Decisions on Solar Energy Development

In the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, a buzzing conversation is unfolding about a large-scale solar energy development that promises to reshape the landscape of our community. This comes in the wake of a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (ZOTA) application filed by Nashville-based developer Silicon Ranch back in April. The proposal aims to open up nearly 800 acres in Fayette County for industrial-scale solar energy production.

A Dual Solar Movement

Hot on the heels of Silicon Ranch’s application, East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) announced their own solar project. The EKPC initiative plans to cover close to 400 acres off Winchester Road. Notably, this project is not subject to local planning and zoning policies, meaning it only requires state oversight from the Public Service Commission.

Put simply, Fayette County is now looking at over 1,000 acres earmarked for solar energy facilities—areas that were specifically designated to uphold our rich agricultural economy. The proposed solar farms would take up space equivalent to more than 300 Costco stores all in one footprint! However, the promised long-term job creation from these developments is less than five positions, which many locals find underwhelming when considering the scale of the projects.

Concerns About Agricultural Land

The land in question is predominantly classified as “prime farmland” by the USDA. This designation means it’s among the best land available for growing food and fiber in the country. The fact that much of the proposed solar facility land could be torn out of agricultural production raises alarms among community members dedicated to preserving our local farming heritage.

Residents are also worried about the impact on the scenic Winchester Road corridor. This area is not just a thoroughfare; it has been designated as a scenic by-way by the state of Kentucky, significant for our tourism, cultural identity, and local economy. The development of large industrial solar sites could diminish these values and change the character of the landscape.

A Broader Perspective on Solar Energy

While there are undeniable benefits to incorporating solar energy as a clean alternative, not everyone is excited about these massive industrial projects in agricultural zones. Organizations like Fayette Alliance advocate for responsible solar development that doesn’t come at the cost of our essential farmland. They stress the importance of exploring other avenues for solar energy generation. Opportunities abound right here in our community.

For instance, local businesses like Hallway Feeds have embraced solar solutions effectively, generating about 75% of their energy needs through solar panels installed on their facility. Similarly, the Locust Trace AgriScience Center, part of the Fayette County public school system, employs rooftop solar as part of its net-zero energy initiative. Innovations are happening across the nation; take Arizona State University, which has installed 90 solar systems that make it carbon neutral since 2019, demonstrating the potential for greener solutions without sacrificing essential land.

Upcoming Decisions Are Crucial

As our community moves forward, it will be crucial to strike a balance between harnessing solar energy and protecting our agricultural assets. The local Planning Commission is set to hold a public hearing on the ZOTA proposal on Thursday, September 26th, at 1:30 PM at City Hall on 200 E. Main Street. This is a golden opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and influence the future of Fayette County’s land use and solar initiatives.

It’s vital that we engage in these discussions now, ensuring that while we embrace the benefits of renewable energy, we’re also looking after our treasured farmland that feeds us and characterizes our community.