Activists have overcome an attempt to install an industrial solar plant in Marion County.
Chestnut Solar's decision to withdraw their application follows stiff opposition from local residents and community groups, who have voiced concerns about the potential environmental impact, health risks and property devaluation associated with the project.
Chestnut Solar officially withdrew its application for a proposed solar project on May 16, 2024 following a blistering Ohio Power Siting Board hearing and before an adjudicatory hearing that was scheduled for May 20, 2024 but has now been cancelled.
The withdrawal marks a significant victory for residents of Marion County who have been actively campaigning against the proposed solar farm and is further evidence of the increasing debate over industrial-scale solar development in Ohio, with residents across the state demanding greater local input.
Residents of Knox County have similarly mobilized against industrial solar development and the Frasier Solar Project, specifically.
"I'm very happy for Marion County and their ability to stop the large scale solar project before it progressed very far into the process," Jared Yost, co-founder of Knox Smart Development, told the Mount Vernon News. "The residents should be proud their elected officials stood up for the county. This is the type of support Knox County deserves and has been asking for. It's truly unfortunate we are in this current predicament."
The project, which aims to establish a commercial solar farm spanning 404 acres in Pleasant Township, faced criticism regarding potential chemical leaks, water contamination and increased flooding risks.
Locals expressed fears of long-term consequences and questioned the practicality of solar energy in Ohio's climate.
Despite Chestnut Solar's reassurances and legal filings, residents emphasized the importance of addressing their community's concerns before proceeding with the project.
The grassroots opposition in Marion County was organized through the efforts of Concerned Citizens of Pleasant Township, primarily via social media platforms like Facebook.
Their coordinated efforts amplified community voices and played a pivotal role in Chestnut Solar's decision to withdraw their application.
Much like the Frasier Solar Project in Knox County, whose developers are the Austin, Texas-based Open Roads Renewables LLC, the developers of Chestnut Solar LLC are also based out of state.
The inception of the Chestnut Solar LLC project dates back to 2016 when the National Renewable Energy Corp., headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, initiated the planning stages.
Much like Marion County, Knox County has seen widespread opposition, with 18 out of 22 townships, along with the City of Mount Vernon, passing resolutions to oppose large-scale solar development.
The OPSB held a hearing in Knox County regarding the Frasier Solar Project on April 4, 2024.
The OPSB’s second hearing on the 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.
