In a letter dated the middle of May, Senator Rob McColley and Representative Jon Cross contacted the Ohio Power Sitting Board regarding the proposed Indian Lake industrial solar project.
The letter stated, “We are reaching out to you today to express our reservations regarding the proposed Indian Lake solar project. While we both lent our support to Senate Bill 52, which empowers local decision-making for forthcoming wind and solar initiatives, it’s crucial to note that this particular project falls under a grandfathered category, predating the enactment of SB 52. While we don’t inherently oppose the project, we harbor significant concerns about its chosen location.
Firstly, the Indian Lake community is currently grappling with the aftermath of a severe E-F3 tornado. The arduous journey of recovery ahead necessitates future land acquisitions and other measures to rebuild residential areas, commercial zones, and government infrastructure obliterated by the tornado. Given the uncertainties surrounding these long-term requirements, the project’s placement could potentially clash with the imperative task of reconstructing and rejuvenating Indian Lake, which rightfully takes precedence.
Secondly, we are apprehensive about the project’s proximity to the Indian Lake waterway and state park, fearing adverse effects on our precious natural resources cherished by Ohioans. Having ardently advocated for water quality preservation at Indian Lake during our tenure in the legislature, we are acutely aware of the substantial investments, both state and local, dedicated to eradicating invasive aquatic flora and thwarting its resurgence. Hence, it is imperative that a project of this magnitude undergoes rigorous scrutiny to ascertain its impact on the lake ecosystem
and the wider watershed.
Lastly, widespread dissent against the project has surfaced among local constituents. Numerous concerned individuals, with whom we’ve engaged, have voiced their opposition. Members of the business community, too, have expressed misgivings, fearing detrimental repercussions on the hospitality, tourism, and boating sectors vital to Indian Lake’s economic fabric.
While Ohio boasts vast expanses of rural land ripe for agricultural and development, contingent upon local zoning approvals and community support, we believe it would be prudent for the developers to explore less densely populated areas outside the Indian Lake vicinity. We take pride in supporting initiatives fostering economic growth in our districts and statewide. However, it’s imperative that we exercise judiciousness in selecting project sites, adhering to the age-old adage: “Location, location, location!””
Both McColley and Cross then signed the letter.
The Ohio Sitting Board is the state authority that will decide whether or not the Grange Solar Project will have a future in Logan County, specifically the Indian Lake area.
Stay tuned to my show Listen Up! on Sunday, July 21st for my interview with Jason Smith from Open Road Renewables, and their project Grange Solar.
The following week, July 28th, I’ll catch up with Aubrey Snapp, Kyle Knief, and Bud Christman from the Indian Lake Advocacy Group.
Listen Up! airs on Mix 98.3 WPKO each Sunday at 7:30 AM.
