Many residents of Washington Township and the surrounding area spoke out in opposition to the proposed Stark Solar project at a recent public hearing. The August 5 hearing was held by the Ohio Power Siting Board as it considers Stark Solar’s application to start constructing a 150 megawatt solar facility in Stark County.
“It is no place for a multibillion-dollar foreign company to come in and set up shop,” said Keith Beaver, a Washington Township farmer, as reported by the Alliance Review.
Beaver was joined by about 25 others who offered testimony in opposition to Stark Solar. Hundreds more have weighed in against the project on the OPSB website.
Andrea Mudo, another Washington Township resident, wrote, “I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Stark Solar Project in Washington Township. I believe that the specific location chosen for the project is highly problematic and not in the best interest of our community.”
Supporters of the solar project also appeared at the hearing. Many of them were from environmental and political groups. Unions have also weighed in favorably.
According to the Alliance Review, Shyna Fritz from Columbus emphasized the need for renewable energy and economic concerns.
“By harnessing solar power, we can reduce our reliance on out-of-state energy resources and increase our nation’s energy independence,” she said. “It offers economic growth, environmental benefits and a forward-thinking approach.
Laura Schmucker commented on Facebook about how Washington Township trustees listened to and backed the concerns of opponents to Stark Solar.
They “have spent months dealing with us showing up to every meeting, more questions than they could have dreamed, phone calls and requests. And in the midst of all of that they came through on every. single. promise.”
With the public hearing completed, the OPSB will hold an evidentiary hearing at the Public Utility Commission of Ohio on September 17. Parties will be able to provide evidence in support of their position on Stark Solar.
