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Residents and advocates offer mixed views on proposed solar project during Logan County meeting
Summary
Public commenters at the Jan. 16 Logan County commissioners meeting urged both support for and opposition to a proposed solar project; commissioners said a resolution had been forwarded to the county prosecutor for filing with the Ohio Power Siting Board. Supporters cited landowner rights and local economic benefits; one presenter summarized OPSB docket comment counts.
Public comment at the Logan County Board of Commissioners' Jan. 16 meeting included competing views on a proposed solar project and a question about a submitted letter of opposition.
Aubrey Snapp asked where the commissioners stood on a letter of opposition she submitted Jan. 14 and how a resolution would affect intervening on the Ohio Power Siting Board docket. Commissioner Michael E. Yoder said the resolution was given to Prosecutor Eric Stewart to file with the OPSB.
Representatives for pro-solar groups spoke in support of the project. Nick Burden, identified as a Columbus resident and representative of the Ohio Land Liberty Coalition, said the coalition supports landowner choice for energy projects. Ryan Sonta Maria, also affiliated with the Ohio Land Liberty Coalition, likewise emphasized property-rights arguments in favor of solar development.
Jason Smith of Open Roads told commissioners his organization has delivered "over 200 letters of support" and reported comment tallies on the OPSB docket as of Monday, Jan. 13: "172 overall comments in support and 138 opposed the project; locally 160 support and 98 opposed." He added that local labor and spending by construction crews would provide economic benefits to restaurants and businesses in Logan County.
The board did not take a public vote on the project during the meeting; Commissioner Yoder's statement indicates the county prosecutor will pursue filing paperwork with OPSB based on the board's resolution. The commissioners did add a related agenda item (a resolution) and recorded public commentary for the record.
What happens next: the prosecutor's filing with OPSB is the next procedural step noted in the meeting minutes; no additional county action was recorded on Jan. 16.
