Residents question Moffett County solar project benefits amid corporate concerns

The Moffat County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting held on February 25, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the impact of solar energy projects on local residents and the community. The meeting began with a focus on the implications of land leasing for solar development, particularly concerning the Yampa Valley Solar LLC project, which is associated with the multinational corporation AES.

One speaker expressed concerns about the benefits of the solar project, noting that many landowners who lease their land do not reside in Moffat County. The speaker emphasized that the primary beneficiaries of the project appear to be the landowners and AES, rather than the broader community. They questioned the motivations behind the establishment of Yampa Valley Solar LLC, suggesting that the name was chosen to create a perception of local involvement, despite the company's extensive global operations.

Financial implications were also a key topic. The speaker highlighted that the projected $15 million in tax revenue would translate to only about $3.13 per month for each resident, a figure they deemed insufficient to significantly benefit the county. Concerns were raised about the visual impact of the solar panels, with the speaker asserting that the project would indeed affect local aesthetics, contrary to claims made by the developers.

Additionally, the speaker criticized the monitoring practices of the solar facility, arguing that the assurances of constant oversight were misleading. They pointed out that monitoring would not be continuous and that the safety of local properties was not guaranteed.

The emotional weight of the discussion was palpable, as the speaker underscored the importance of property values to residents, asserting that homes represent their most significant investments. The meeting concluded with a call for further scrutiny of the project's implications for Moffat County, emphasizing the need for transparency and community involvement in decisions that affect local residents.

Overall, the BOCC meeting highlighted ongoing tensions between renewable energy development and local community interests, setting the stage for future discussions on balancing economic benefits with the needs and concerns of Moffat County residents.