Lexington must say no to solar development on farmland, say yes to better alternatives | Opinion

It’s no secret that the Bluegrass region is home to world-renowned farmland: crops, horse farms, bourbon production, and rolling hills that attract millions of tourists every year. None of this is possible without our prime soils, the backbone of our productive rural area.

Communities around the country with prime soils — or land designated by the USDA as best suited for producing food — are proactively ensuring their local planning and zoning policies regulate solar projects to protect farmland land from industrial-scale solar development. They are, instead, prioritizing solar in industrial-zoned areas, commercial areas, and built environments. We must work together to ensure Lexington does the same.

Currently, a tax-exempt utility company, Eastern Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) is proposing close to 400 acres on Winchester Road for an industrial-scale solar development on soils that are approximately 98% prime farmland, or soil of statewide significance. Nearby, private developer Silicon Ranch is proposing an 800+ acre development and major changes to our local planning and zoning ordinance in order to permit it.

If allowed, these developments would introduce industrial and commercial uses into our Agricultural Rural zone that aren’t otherwise allowed, destroying our most vital resource in the process: our prime farmland, and the ability of that land to be used for agriculture. Our community should be weighing in to form smart policies around industrial scale solar development — not the developers.

When the newly renovated Central Bank Center project was underway, why were no measures put in place to ensure the 11-acre site contained solar on its rooftop?

Will city officials require solar panels for the newly proposed City Hall project?

Will any solar be recommended in the 2,800-acre proposed Urban Service Boundary expansion areas?

Lexington-Fayette County can support renewable energy efforts and has had, and will have many more, opportunities to do so. Solar energy does not have to come at the expense of our most limited and precious resource. Let’s look at our industrial, commercial, and built environments for solar projects first.

Alarmingly, EKPC is not subject to local planning and zoning laws, and the opportunities for public engagement and input are much more limited. Fayette County residents must make their voices heard to EKPC and the Kentucky Public Service Commission, which have jurisdiction over EKPC’s proposal.

You can do so by emailing PSC.COMMENT@KY.GOV, Case # 2024-000129. We must also make sure our local elected officials, Planning Staff, and Planning Commission members know where we stand on protecting prime farmland, and that careful local planning and zoning policies must be put into place for Lexington-Fayette County. You can do so by emailing PlanningMailbox@lexingtonky.gov. Our agricultural economy and identity depend on it.

Carolyn Plumlee is a former LFUCG Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment member and the 2021 recipient of Emma Tibbs Neighborhood Hero Award.