Residents of Kiowa raise safety concerns over proposed solar power project

On May 14, 2025, a government meeting in Elbert County, Colorado, brought to light significant community concerns regarding a proposed solar power project. Residents voiced their apprehensions about the project's potential impact on safety, property values, and the environment.

Katie Bettencourt, representing her family, raised alarms about the project's location near County Road 154, a dead-end road with limited access. She highlighted the risks associated with potential fires at the solar facility, particularly due to the presence of lithium batteries, which can emit toxic fumes and pose evacuation challenges for local families. Bettencourt questioned the adequacy of emergency response measures, including the ability to evacuate residents and students from the nearby Kiowa School District in the event of a disaster.

Larry Willard, another resident, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the detrimental effect the solar project could have on his retirement plans and property values. He argued that the project would render adjacent properties virtually worthless, as few would want to live next to a large solar installation. Willard suggested that alternative sites in less populated areas of Eastern Elbert County could be more suitable for such developments.

The discussions during the meeting underscored a growing tension between the push for renewable energy and the preservation of community safety and property rights. Residents expressed a desire for the county to consider their concerns seriously before making a final decision on the solar project.

As the meeting concluded, the community's apprehensions remained unresolved, highlighting the need for further dialogue and consideration of alternative solutions that balance renewable energy goals with the well-being of local residents. The outcome of this proposal will likely have lasting implications for the community's landscape and its residents' quality of life.