The Ohio Power Siting Board met on Thursday afternoon in a brief meeting to decide a key topic here in Logan County, The Fountain Point Solar Project. Logan County Commissioner Mike Yoder and Township Trustee Jeff Spencer were present to cast their votes on the project.
The proposal, which aims to develop a 280-megawatt facility on nearly 2,800 acres in Bokescreek Township, faced considerable opposition from some community members, including Commissioner Yoder.
Speaking before the vote, Yoder expressed his concerns, stating that he was representing the sentiments of the community, which has been divided over the project’s potential impacts. Despite the dissent, the motion to approve the project ultimately passed with a 6-3 vote.
Listen in on the brief meeting and Commissioner Yoder’s comments:
“We were pleased to see the members of the Ohio Power Siting Board vote in favor of the Fountain Point Solar Energy Center,” said Shayna Fritz, Executive Director of the Ohio Conservative Energy Forum. “Ohio farmers have the right to use their land as they choose, whether that means farming corn, cattle, or sunshine. Some are choosing to work responsibly with solar developers to install solar panels on their land and generate clean, homegrown energy that will benefit their families and the community.”
“Offering the opportunity for local solar development is a critical part of an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy in Ohio communities,” said Fritz. “Deciding to lease land for a solar project is a big decision for landowners and their families. We are so glad to see that the Ohio Power Siting Board agrees that this decision is the right one for Ohio.”
As the community awaits further developments, the project promises to bring substantial changes to the area. Supporters argue it will provide a boost to the local economy and contribute to renewable energy goals, while opponents worry about environmental impacts, economic impacts, and land use.
The approval marks a significant step forward for the project, which is expected to reshape the landscape of energy production in Logan County. Some say that this project could be a gateway into the Grange Solar Project that is being proposed in the Indian Lake Region.
See more about the Fountain Point Project HERE.
