While waiting for a vote by Wagoner County Commissioners on a proposed controversial solar farm near Porter, NextEra Energy is urging residents to urge commissioners to approve the project.
In a Facebook posting this week, the headline urged, “Say YES to Persica Solar.” NextEra also used text messaging to round up support.
The Persica Solar farm has its opponents including some landowners who fear it will lead to the use of eminent domain to condemn and take their land.
NextEra thinks otherwise and stated, “Supporting solar energy projects within our community allows us to safeguard landowners’ rights and empower local citizens to have a say in how their land is utilized. Moreover, it encourages the production of clean, homegrown energy, contributing to a sustainable future.”
NextEra urged residents to tell their local leaders to support solar energy by sending a letter today.
“The Persica Solar project will be great for economic growth, bringing up to $31 million in additional tax revenue to Wagoner County and hundreds of construction jobs. Subject to local government’s needs and decisions, this revenue can help support your schools, roads and help fund projects that will allow the community and local businesses to thrive,” stated the posting.
“Encourage your local officials to support solar energy now by sending this prewritten digital letter. Feel free to personalize the letter so it reflects why you support the benefits solar energy will bring to the community.
We thank you for your support.”
While some Facebook users supported the project, others showed their opposition.
“Always using the same bow on the present. How many times have we fell for Will help the schools”
Or as another declared, “It’s a big no, watch the legislators they buy and vote them out!!!”
And still another. “Garbage advertisement. Solar is completely dependent on China. So that’s a solid no!”
One more stated, “I refuse to support actions that could later be used to force property owners to allow construction on the property they own. This is one step closer to eminent domain being used against property owners in order to support for profit organizations!”