In a resolute stand against the Frasier Solar Project, Miller Township has asked the Ohio Power Siting Board to deny the project’s application.
This latest action follows an earlier resolution requesting an industrial solar exclusionary zone for the township, emphasizing Miller Township's steadfast stance against the proposed development that would place 270,000 solar panels in and around the township.
“I am very pleased that our township trustees passed a resolution proclaiming their opposition to the Frasier Solar project,” Knox Smart Development's Jared Yost told Mount Vernon News.
“The resolution not only asks the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) to deny the project, it also asks the Knox County Commissioners to exercise their authority granted to them by law and represent the township's interests by opposing the project.”
“While I know many residents would like to have seen this resolution passed sooner, I think the trustees handled the situation professionally by remaining neutral throughout the process; listening to community input, performing their own research, and speaking with residents and elected officials near other solar installations before coming to a decision. In my opinion, that makes this resolution carry even more weight. The trustees deserve a lot of credit for doing the right thing for the township.”
“This resolution is obviously very important as ORC 4906.10(A)(6) requires the OPSB to deny a project's certificate if it doesn't not serve the public's interest, convenience, and necessity. When you factor in the resolution from the Mount Vernon City Council, elected officials are sending a clear message to the OPSB that this project is not in the best interest of our community, and in fact, would have an adverse impact and should be a compelling reason to deny this project the way they did in Greene, Defiance, and Allen Counties.”
The newly adopted resolution contributes to a mounting tally of resolutions passed by 17 of Knox County’s 22 townships throughout the region.
The effort on behalf of local elected officials is a testament to the collective sentiments of residents who have voiced apprehensions regarding the Frasier Solar Project's potential impact.
Miller Township's resolution emerges amid a groundswell of local resistance to industrial solar.
The 1,500 plus acre Frasier Solar Project has become the focal point of contentious debates, igniting discussions about its environmental implications and land usage.
The depth of opposition reflects profound concerns within the community regarding industrial solar projects.
Miller Township's resolution echoed that of the Mount Vernon City Council’s passed March 11 specifically opposing the development of the Frasier Solar Project.
The concern in Mount Vernon is particularly acute due to the portion of the project planned within the city limits, comprising 100 acres.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the hearing by the OPSB that took place on April 4. The second hearing will be held April 29.
The OPSB is a seven-member panel that has the ability to accept or deny applications for industrial solar panel development.
It has denied three industrial solar projects since it began taking applications in 2018.
A Greene County proposal for a similarly sized 1,500-acre development near Gov. Mike DeWine’s home was one of those denied.
