There is widespread support for clean energy across the United States. We know this. And yet many projects still face intense resistance at the local level. Misinformation, fear, and a lack of community engagement often fuel opposition. It also doesn’t help when vocal critics show up at town halls to protest—and sometimes derail—renewable energy developments before they can get off the ground.
Champions who step in to empower their communities with accurate, science-based information and encouragement to speak out can make a difference. Equipping local residents with facts and a sense of solidarity can help turn the tide in favor of clean energy in local communities at the grassroots level.
Recently, Moms’ Ohio Organizer, Tracy Sabetta, took on this champion role. She got involved in supporting a utility-scale solar project in her own backyard of Fairfield County, Ohio. Tracy, along with coalition partners, including Greenlight America, endorsed the Eastern Cottontail Solar Project in Walnut Township, to help build local momentum for clean energy.
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The proposed project would generate up to 220 megawatts of solar-powered electricity across approximately 1,550 acres of privately owned land. Local landowners, many of whom are farmers, have already signed on to lease their properties.
One farmer who has aged out of farming sees leasing his land as an opportunity to hold on to his property and keep it in the family. The solar project is slated to last 30 to 40 years, so his family can decide what they want to do with the land in the future. In the meantime, the farmer plans to pay for his mother’s memory care with money from the lease. Win-win.
Despite strong support from local landowners, the project still requires approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board. As part of the approval process, public hearings must be held to give community members a chance to weigh in.
“Any time there’s a proposed project for more than 50 megawatts in a township, the Ohio Power Siting Board must approve it,” Tracy explains. “The Board holds public hearings in the area near where the project would be built, and anyone with an interest in solar development can speak to share their thoughts and information.”
In the lead-up to one such public hearing earlier this year, Tracy worked to educate Ohio residents about the benefits of solar energy and encouraged them to take action by signing a petition in favor of transitioning to it. She also invited them to attend hearings. Tracy personally submitted formal comments in support of approving the Eastern Cottontail project to the Ohio Power Siting Board. Through community outreach efforts, two additional Fairfield County moms also submitted supportive comments.
“We are looking to increase local support to make sure people in the area know about the project, about the benefits of solar, and to create a safe space for individuals to voice their interest in the project,” Tracy says. “Opposition can be very loud, and that makes people want to stay home. A lot of this is based on misinformation. Our goal is to get accurate information out about the projects.” This is why Tracy consistently attends community events as a supportive familiar face.
Just by showing up, Tracy was able to offer the exact support one community member needed at a public hearing earlier this year. A hesitant young woman, who was attending her first hearing and unsure about speaking up, noticed Tracy was wearing a Moms Clean Air Force pin. Tracy’s welcoming presence reassured her and helped her find the confidence to testify in support of clean energy.
Tracy recognized in this young woman the fear all advocates go through before speaking up. To help, she pulled from her own experience testifying before public officials and lawmakers and offered to review her planned remarks. Together, they added key facts and addressed concerns raised by earlier speakers.
“She got up and testified and did a fantastic job as a health care worker and mom. Now she follows Moms on social media and has gotten more involved with our efforts,” Tracy says.
As a result of local support, the staff of the Ohio Power Siting Board has recommended approval of the project, but the community is still awaiting a final vote. Tracy is hopeful the project will move forward and ultimately break ground. She says, “We need clean energy here because it reduces the negative impacts of air pollution and improves children’s health.”