Those who read the Ohio Capital Journal may be familiar with a series of commentaries that took an in-depth look into how the fossil fuel industry in Ohio has been conducting what many believe to be the most aggressive assault in the country aimed at shutting down utility scale solar power projects.
When this reached an almost unbelievable extreme in the case of the Frasier solar project in Knox County, it led to the drawing of a proverbial “line in the sand.” Some grassroots solar advocates joined together in the hope that a collective effort might have a chance to push back.
From the beginning, this was “David versus Goliath.” The motivation of advocates had much to do with the strenuous warning from the science community that our civilization must shift away from fossil fuels if we wish to preserve a livable future for our children and future generations.
The anti-solar side had numerous direct connections with the fossil fuel industry, and when these were exposed there was not even much attempt to hide them.
The attitude from the start seemed to be “we are a wealthy industry, and if we apply our wealth to saturate the entire area with misinformation, there is no way that we lose this siting decision.”
Rent a luxurious theater and pay for an expert in distortion to travel all the way from Chicago to explain why 99% of the world’s science community has it all wrong and that the continually unraveling climate is nothing but a hoax.
What were the credentials of this speaker? That he came from the Heartland Institute famous for being hired by the tobacco industry to convince the public there is no danger to health from smoking cigarettes.
A major “problem” developed in the local news media. It was granting space to express both sides.
Yes, this pesky thing called “democracy” was not acceptable. Lo and behold, money appeared in order to actually purchase the Mt Vernon newspaper.
From that point on, it was almost “miraculous” how the whole community seemed to suddenly be united in opposing the solar project.
Then came the public hearing. A few people came from outside Knox County because they recognized the sweeping nature of climate disruption does not pay attention to imaginary lines on a map called county boundaries.
If there was ever an issue that said we are all in this together, this was it.
Both attorneys for the opposition vehemently demanded that anyone from outside these lines had no right to speak.
Never mind that both were themselves from outside the county. And never mind that the opposition brought in someone all the way from Chicago. Did someone mention blatant hypocrisy?
It was the wealth of an entire industry pitted against mere grassroots volunteers trying to make ends meet while eking out time to make a stand for the earth and future generations.
Due to the colossal disparity between resources, it seemed a foregone conclusion that this project was going to become another casualty.
Beyond the local barrage of misinformation, something else was happening.
The Ohio Power Siting Board was altering its decision-making process in a way that undeniably favored the fossil fuel industry.
It was saying that if a handful of local officials lined up in opposition to a project, that was pretty much the end of it.
They were not even expected to present any rational reason of substance, but only had to say “no.” Whether a majority of the public supported it no longer mattered.
All the industry needed was to conduct an intensive well-funded lobbying campaign to “lock up” the local officials, and that project would become history.
But something unexpected happened. These grassroots volunteers were determined to not be intimidated. They were dedicated to not only continue speaking the truth, but also expose to the public how it was being cynically manipulated.
A Pulitzer Prize winning investigative team was invited to expose the outrageous purchase of the newspaper.
Articulate and well-documented writing was submitted for publication. A documentary producer was invited to expose the false claim that agricultural land was being taken out of use by the solar panels.
His video demonstrated how solar panels and continuing agricultural use could easily co-exist on the same land.
The developer of Frasier actually signed a contract with local sheep grazers so that the vast majority of the land would continue with agricultural use.
Something else very significant was that these advocates were not willing to allow the state agency responsible for siting decisions to turn into a rubber stamp for the fossil fuel industry.
A very principled and cogent case was made directly to the Ohio Power Siting Board about how these new rules were skewing the process. The Board was challenged to defend its actions.
The end result of it all was stunning.
On June 26, the Board approved the project by a very strong 8 to 1 majority — setting off a major celebration by the solar advocates.
What are some of the takeaway lessons that can be drawn?
The power and effectiveness of grassroots volunteers must not be underestimated when they come together in the spirit of holding to the truth and refusing to be intimidated.
Maximizing the use of free media in the form of letters to the editor, commentaries, and videos on YouTube. Not hesitating to call upon allies with which to work in coalition.
May news of this resounding victory spread throughout the state and give hope to those striving to maintain forward progress even while Trump and MAGA continue to work against the climate issue and clean energy at the national level!
