Dear Commissioner Eilert,

Your Johnson County Citizens want to thank you in advance for your consideration of the pros and cons of utility-scale solar facilities and their fit in our county. Utility-scale solar has a brief history as it is a modern technology and until recently most proposed utility-scale solar facilities were in remote locations. Only very recently have solar developers began proposing such a large-scale land use near population centers and in areas with growing rural communities.

Johnson and Douglas counties are the two most vibrant counties in Kansas. The economies are strong and expanding, jobs are abundant, and the quality of life is good. As a result, many people are moving to our counties. This trend shows no signs of slowing. Indeed, at a recent Johnson County Planning Commission meeting, county staff stated that Johnson County is forecast to grow from a population of 610,000 as of the 2020 census to 1,000,000 residents over the next 2 to 3 decades.

With the prospects of growth and prosperity, residents of unincorporated areas are justifiably concerned with how a massive land use for utility-scale solar would affect the nature of their communities, the value of their properties, and the health of their families. Too, residents are concerned their homes may become part of an isolated, undesirable place to live if their homes are surrounded by industrial land uses consisting of high security fences, miles of steel frames, glass panels, transmission lines, inverters and battery storage facilities.  These concerns are why citizens have proposed zoning regulations for smaller project areas, for increased setbacks, and with a heightened focus on human health and safety. The content included for you in this web portal provides information on these topics and more:

Before closing, we want to thank county planning staff and planning commissioners for their service. We recognize the challenges this matter presents and how much work has occurred to date. We especially want to thank the appointees who are volunteering their time. Their civic contribution sets an example for others to follow.

If you should have questions about the information presented her please feel free to reach out to Citizens for Responsible Solar – Johnson & Douglas County, KS Chairperson Carrie Brandon.  She can be reached using the contact information listed below.

Regards, 

Citizens for Responsible Solar  |  Johnson County, KS & Douglas County, KS

Contact Information:

Carrie Brandon – Task Force Chairperson
Email:  getinvolved@kansasresponsiblesolar.com
Phone:  913-302-3598
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 462
Gardner, KS  66030