Residents rally against controversial solar power plant proposal

The Sandoval County Planning and Zoning Public Hearing held on December 10, 2024, focused on a proposed solar power plant project that has sparked significant community opposition. The meeting featured multiple speakers, including local residents and representatives from homeowners associations, who expressed their concerns regarding the project's potential impact on the environment and property values.

The first speaker, identified as a representative of Diamond Tail Ranch, raised alarms about what they described as a corporate maneuver exploiting a special use loophole. They argued that the project would transition the land from agricultural to special use zoning, allowing for the construction of a solar power plant. This, they claimed, could lead to future redevelopment of the land for industrial purposes, such as server farms, which would further profit the involved corporations.

Joel Darnold, president of the San Pedro Creek Estates Homeowners Association, voiced strong opposition on behalf of the community. He highlighted that the proposed industrial power plant would be located near residential areas, affecting over 600 acres of nature and 379 properties. Darnold pointed out that multiple insurance providers had recently declined to offer property insurance to residents due to high wildfire risks, contradicting claims made by the project developers about minimal fire risk in the area. He urged the planning board to consider the long-term implications of the project on local residents and to seek alternative locations that would not disrupt the community.

Lisa Darnold, also a resident of San Pedro Creek Estates and a founding member of a local advocacy group, echoed her husband's concerns. She emphasized the ongoing issues residents face with obtaining homeowner's insurance due to the proximity of the proposed solar plant to fire-prone areas. She called for the planning board to heed the community's concerns and to reject the application for the solar power plant, asserting that it would jeopardize the welfare of East Mountain residents.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between corporate interests and community welfare, as residents rallied to protect their environment and property values from what they perceive as irresponsible development. The planning board's decision on the application remains pending, with community members hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes their concerns.