Via press release from Fayette Alliance
(FRANKFORT, Ky.) – Fayette Alliance has filed a motion with the Public Service Commission to be considered for full intervenor status in the application of Case Number 2024-00129 regarding East Kentucky Power Cooperative’s proposed solar facility in Marion and Fayette Counties.
In addition to the environmental impacts and the loss of prime, nationally significant farmland, Fayette Alliance is also concerned about the precedent set by permitting these types of commercial and industrial uses in our agricultural zones.
Fayette Alliance released this statement:
“Fayette Alliance has a strong history of supporting smart, innovative, and responsible development that both grows our city and protects our irreplaceable farmland outside the Urban Service Boundary in Lexington-Fayette County. Further, Fayette Alliance is supportive of renewable energy development, particularly solar on rooftops, brownfield sites, industrial areas, and already-built environments.
“This motion to be considered a full intervenor in the Public Service Commission’s review of the proposed East Kentucky Power Cooperative solar project reflects that continued mission. Fayette Alliance has serious concerns about the impacts of locating large-scale solar facilities, such as EKPC’s request, on Lexington-Fayette County’s world-renowned soils, outside of the USB, and in a zone specifically designated for production agriculture in light of the quality of those soils.
“Large-scale solar development is a complex land-use issue that must be thoughtfully addressed and informed by research and analysis. Further, Fayette Alliance believes a project of this scale, which poses significant changes to our community’s land-use policies, deserves robust public engagement and feedback prior to moving forward.”
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