Community Concerns Over Solar Farm Plans
Residents in western Wisconsin are voicing concerns over a proposed 5,000-acre solar energy project in St. Croix County. Xcel Energy, which is spearheading the initiative, has secured about two-thirds of the necessary land from private landowners. According to Brian Elwood, a regional vice president for Xcel, the land includes both former agricultural properties and unused areas that are being repurposed for solar power generation.
Despite Xcel’s efforts, resistance from the community is mounting. Over 2,100 individuals have signed an online petition opposing the project, citing potential harm to the environment and disruptions to local farming. Deborah Graul, a rural Hudson resident, emphasized the importance of thorough planning, stating, “We need alternative energy sources, but we need to also take the time and do due diligence and do it right.” Meanwhile, Dwight Wolter of New Richmond expressed concerns about the project’s impact on local wildlife and suggested alternatives like hydroelectric plants that require less land.
Balancing Renewable Goals and Local Impact
The solar energy project is part of Xcel Energy’s long-term strategy to transition away from coal. The company aims to replace the energy output of the coal-fueled Allen S. King Generating Plant, which is scheduled to close in 2028. The solar fields are expected to supply power to customers across Minnesota and Wisconsin, aligning with Xcel’s goals of achieving 85% carbon-free energy by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
Elwood emphasized the company’s commitment to minimizing environmental disruption, both during construction and operation. “We want to make sure that not only once a project is developed that it’s done in an environmentally friendly way, but the way that we construct it is also done to be minimally invasive as well,” he said. The project also promises significant economic benefits, with Xcel estimating the creation of hundreds of jobs during the construction phase.
Next Steps and Community Engagement
Xcel Energy plans to submit its solar energy project application to Wisconsin’s Public Services Commission for review. The approval process, which includes environmental impact studies and public feedback, is expected to take about a year. While the utility company positions the solar energy project as a step toward a sustainable future, local resistance underscores the tension between renewable energy goals and preserving community interests.
Residents like Wolter and Graul stress the need for alternative solutions that balance energy demands with environmental and agricultural concerns. As the debate unfolds, the project highlights the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy in regions where land use and local ecosystems are critical considerations.
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