In a unanimous decision, Hilliar Township's board of trustees has passed a resolution declaring the township an exclusionary zone for industrial solar projects, joining a growing movement against large-scale solar development in Knox County.
The resolution, passed with a 3-0 vote, marks the 18th township out of 22 in Knox County, along with the City of Mount Vernon, to oppose industrial solar initiatives.
This grassroots movement gained traction under the leadership of Knox County Commissioner Barry Lester, who spearheaded efforts to rally communities against the proposed Frasier Solar project.
Miller Township initially led the charge by passing the first anti-solar resolution, inspiring others to follow suit.
Grassroots organizations like Preserve Knox County and Knox Smart Development have also amplified community opposition.
Their efforts, buoyed by grassroots organizations like Preserve Knox County and Knox Smart Development, culminate in public hearings where community members can voice their opposition directly to the Ohio Power Siting Board.
Despite facing legal obstacles, including pre-existing project approvals, local voices have proven influential in shaping the discourse around solar development.
In March, Knox County voters resoundingly rejected industrial solar at the ballot box as well.
The Knox County Commission primary election signaled a rejection of industrial solar development, reshaping the local political landscape.
Incumbent Commissioner Thom Collier, a proponent of solar projects, faced defeat coming in last as voters overwhelmingly favored candidates opposed to large-scale solar ventures.
Anti-industrial solar candidate Drenda Keesee emerged victorious, unseating Collier and the other Knox County Commission seat by similarly anti-solar candidate Lester in a decisive mandate against industrial solar expansion in Knox County.
Those with an opinion on industrial solar have a forum with which to speak out.
The Ohio Power Siting Board’s second hearing on the Frasier Solar Project is set to commence on May 23, 2024, at 5 p.m., with doors opening an hour prior at 4 p.m. A third hearing is set for May 29, 2024, also at 5 p.m. Both hearings will be held at Knox Memorial Theater.
An adjudicatory hearing is scheduled for Aug. 19, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Offices of the Public Utilities Commission in Columbus.
Those hearings will play a large part on whether the 1,500+ acre development will move forward.
