(These letters to the editor were first published in the November print edition of the Hendersonian.)
When is enough, enough of ‘green energy’ in Henderson County?
Dear Editor:
Henderson County is a small, rural community of fewer than 50,000 people — yet our landscape is being dramatically transformed by large-scale renewable energy developments. Over 8,000 acres of solar projects are already proposed, in progress, or completed in the Robards area. In addition, two Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), one in the city of Henderson and one in the county, have progressed toward installation. The city BESS was put on hold last month because Henderson leaders are “not interested in pushing forward (with BESS) given the public sentiment,” according to Brad Bickett, Henderson Municipal Power & Light general manager. Applications are pending for the installation of more than 90 wind turbines and additional solar arrays over a projected 30,000 acres in the eastern part of the county.
When is enough, enough?
We, Henderson County Concerned Citizens, are asking our city and county officials to consider the long-term best interests of all residents — not just the short-term financial benefits of a few. We’ve been told that “personal property rights” are the guiding principle for approving these life-altering projects. Of course, property rights are important. But when one person’s property use brings significant and lasting negative impacts — environmental, economic, and health-related — to their neighbors and community, we must ask whether this balance of rights remains fair.
There are documented and credible reports of negative health and safety effects from living near industrial-scale wind, solar and BESS projects, as well as serious concerns about loss of agricultural land, declines in wildlife and bird populations, and potential property devaluation — with some realtors estimating losses of 30% to 50% within one mile of these sites.
Our City-County Comprehensive Plan calls for “preserving agricultural land while protecting the economy and heritage of rural areas.” It also emphasizes protecting and enhancing “the quality of the natural environment while permitting appropriate development on suitable lands.”
How do massive industrial-scale solar fields, sprawling wind projects, and battery storage installations fit into that vision? Are these projects truly compatible with the plan our community adopted to guide thoughtful, balanced growth?
We urge our local leaders to take a step back, listen to citizens, and ensure that Henderson County’s rural character, agricultural economy, and residents’ well-being are not sacrificed in the name of “green” energy profits.
Representatives of Henderson County Concerned Citizens-HC3
Dr. James and Kelly England
Rick and Melody Thompson
James and Shannon Hill
Michael and Lisa Lovell
Steve and Cindy Bickwermert
Stan and Kim Cotton
Shocked by developments, wants solar and BESS ordinances re-written
Dear Editor:
We are lifelong residents of Henderson and very concerned about all the changes going on in our county.
Several months ago we heard about the large solar farms in our county, so we drove out to take a look. We were totally shocked! Many of the beautiful fields and farms are now just miles and miles of solar panels, with many of them surrounding homes. It feels so industrial and looks nothing like it did before.
Then, we heard about the Rock Bluff Energy Park project and we were shocked again. The project consists of thousands of acres of land and proposes 93 wind turbines, solar panels, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The wind turbines will be 720′ and visible for over 20 miles. They will also be the largest in the United States!
The landscape of Henderson County has been forever changed due to the solar project. It has displaced wildlife, decreased home values and divided our community.
Since March of this year 4,000 solar panels have been damaged by hail, 32 damaged by gunfire, and there was also a solar inverter fire. I wonder if any toxic chemicals were released during these events?
I hope that our county judge-executive and magistrates will put Henderson County residents first and do what’s best for our county by creating a very strong wind ordinance, and by rewriting the solar and BESS ordinances to keep future projects of this type out of Henderson.
Steve and Cindy Bickwermert
Henderson
Landowner says more local energy means more local jobs
I am a landowner. My husband and I own several farms in Henderson and Webster counties. Over 40 plus years, we have leased our farmland for crop production. As we have moved into the 21st century, these farms have also been leased for hunting and recreational use along with selective timber harvest. Several farms were leased for oil and coal exploration.
Two years ago, we were approached about leasing a farm for wind turbine development, pending permits. Turbine placement, involving approximately 1.5 acres, would be a good fit for our agri-business plan. It would allow renewable energy production along with continued crop production.
Turbine-generated energy is a mature technology that has been in use for many years in the United States. Every year more “wind farms” are constructed and help to provide reliable, uninterrupted energy to utilities that power homes, schools, hospitals, industry and manufacturing. Increased uninterrupted reliable energy sources will attract more businesses to Henderson County. More businesses and manufacturing in Henderson will provide increased job opportunities here at home.
Renewable resources, such as wind, solar and hydropower, will become a part of our future. Our energy demands will soon outpace our resources. I support turbine energy development in Henderson. Our future is too important to view in the “dark.” My hope for Henderson County is to be a leader in renewable energy development, not a follower.
Holly Vincent
Robards