Gardiner Farmers Annex Land to Block Solar and Wind Projects

The Atchison County Commission held a special meeting on May 29, 2025, where discussions centered around the impact of solar and wind energy developments in the region. A local resident expressed strong opposition to the expansion of renewable energy projects, citing personal experiences and observations from neighboring counties.

The resident highlighted the extensive leasing of land for solar and wind energy in Pot County and Waubonsee County, describing the situation as "unbelievable" and "virtually irreversible." They voiced concerns about the negative effects of solar farms on property values, referencing specific examples from Johnson County and the Gardiner-Edgerton area. In Gardiner, farmers have sought annexation to prevent solar leasing, allowing them to maintain their agricultural tax base while controlling energy developments.

The resident shared a personal anecdote about a friend in Northern Missouri who leased land for a wind turbine, detailing the substantial infrastructure left behind after a malfunction. This experience raised alarms about the long-term consequences of such projects, including the potential devaluation of adjacent properties.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of renewable energy developments for the county's future. The resident expressed a preference for residential development that could enhance the tax base, rather than energy projects that could diminish property values.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's concerns regarding the balance between renewable energy initiatives and the preservation of property values and agricultural integrity in Atchison County. The commission is expected to consider these viewpoints as they navigate future energy policies and land use planning.