I am a resident of Caldwell Road, located between State Route 98 and Winchester West. I have recently learned that Wombat has leased land on the north side of Caldwell Road for the development of an industrial solar farm, rumored to encompass approximately 2,000 acres. I wish to express my concerns regarding the potential negative impacts this project may have on our community, the city of Bucyrus, and Crawford County as a whole.
The construction of solar farms can significantly disrupt local ecosystems, leading to the displacement of wildlife and alterations to natural habitats. The removal of vegetation, topsoil, and the resulting soil compaction during installation can have long-lasting ecological consequences. Additionally, solar farms typically require extensive land use, which may displace agricultural activities. This displacement raises significant concerns about food security and the preservation of our rural farming traditions.
While proponents often claim that the land can be returned to agricultural use after 20 years, experiences from farmers in Pennsylvania and Virginia suggest otherwise. Many have found that the land returned to them resembles a “reclaimed” strip mine, rendering it suitable only for non-productive uses, such as trailer parks or storage units, rather than sustainable agricultural land.
Solar farms can dramatically alter the visual landscape, particularly in rural areas celebrated for their natural beauty. Such changes can negatively impact property values and diminish the appeal of these regions for potential homeowners. Moreover, the effects extend beyond the immediate solar site; roads and highways leading from the site may also be affected as power companies install large metal power poles to facilitate electricity transport.
While solar farms promise clean energy, they often do not provide significant economic benefits to local communities. Critics argue that the financial gains primarily benefit developers rather than local residents. It is important to note that leases can be bought and sold; while Wombat may currently be making commitments to local schools and township fire departments regarding increased revenues, it is plausible that by the time these solar projects commence operations, the lease could be sold to another holding company or, worse, a foreign entity. Consequently, the promises made by Wombat may be disregarded, with profits being maximized for external stakeholders.
Although solar technology can be advantageous for small homeowners seeking to reduce their utility bills or live off the grid, it may not be scalable for industrial applications. Reports indicate that the proposed generation target is falling short of predicted values, leading to “brownouts” and frequency fluctuations that can damage electrical equipment. Additionally, solar farms often rely on substantial federal subsidies to remain profitable, and with the current administration working to reduce or eliminate these subsidies, the viability of solar projects is in jeopardy. Should these projects fail, and the leaseholders file for bankruptcy, the responsibility of site cleanup could fall to landowners and the county.
Furthermore, major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta are becoming increasingly significant energy consumers as they expand their artificial intelligence operations. These companies are now turning to nuclear power, having determined that renewable sources alone may not reliably meet their energy demands.
These points illustrate why many individuals and communities are wary of large-scale solar developments. I urge the residents of Crawford County to contact the Commissioners to express your opposition to industrial solar farms in our county. You can reach out to the following officials: Tim Ley (timl@crawford-co.org), Larry Schmidt (larrys@crawford-co.org), and Jeff Price (jeffp@crawford-co.org).
It is crucial that our community takes a stand to protect our environment and preserve our agricultural heritage by banning any future solar developments.
John Volk
2850 Caldwell Rd
Bucyrus, Oh.