Delaware County Residents Call for Stronger Solar Ordinances to Protect Farmland

Delaware County's Metropolitan Planning Commission meeting on August 12, 2025, highlighted significant community concerns regarding the proposed solar ordinance, particularly its impact on farmland and residential areas.

Cheryl Dawson, a local resident, urged the commission to reconsider the inclusion of the term "occupied" in the ordinance's setback requirements for solar installations. She argued that this term could complicate definitions of dwellings, especially for those with multiple properties or homes under renovation. Dawson expressed a desire for more diverse development options, such as housing and manufacturing, rather than solar panels dominating the landscape.

Ryan Richards, representing a ten-generation farming family, raised concerns about the potential disruption to drainage systems caused by solar panel installations. He questioned the feasibility of farming land adjacent to solar projects and highlighted the financial implications for farmers, noting that solar companies often offer significantly higher payments for land than traditional farming yields. Richards emphasized the rights of landowners and the need for a balanced approach that considers the future of farming in the area.

Thomas Richards echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of protecting productive farmland from encroachment by solar projects. He pointed out that solar installations could lead to long-term economic consequences for local farmers and related businesses. He called for a strong ordinance to safeguard agricultural land for future generations.

Tim Nickham, a lifelong resident and property owner, reinforced the need for land use restrictions to protect agricultural interests. He noted the alarming trend of farmland loss in Indiana and urged the commission to prioritize agricultural preservation over industrial solar development.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between renewable energy initiatives and the preservation of agricultural land in Delaware County. As the commission considers the proposed solar ordinance, the voices of local farmers and residents reflect a community deeply invested in the future of their land and livelihoods. The outcome of this ordinance could have lasting implications for both the agricultural landscape and the energy future of the region.