by Jackie Nunnery
LANCASTER—Prior to the presentation of a proposed solar ordinance the planning commission spent the last year refining, members of the community took time during the Lancaster board of supervisors’ public input session Thursday, January 28, to express support and concerns about the potential and what it means for residents.
The board eventually set a public hearing on a proposed solar panel ordinance for February 25.
Philip J. Haynie of Nuttsville, a farmer who has spoken about land rights previously, countered arguments that solar panels would be harmful to the environment. Comparing a 500-acre plot growing corn over 20 years, Haynie said that with solar farms, “540,000 gallons of nitrogen, 1,000,730 pounds of phosphate, 1,000,660 pounds of potash, 5,000 gallons of Aatrex, and 7,000 gallons of roundup would not be going into the soils of Lancaster County.”
Haynie’s grandson, Philip J. Haynie IV, who “hopes to be a sixth generation farmer,” spoke about how the revenue from solar projects could “help pay for my education” and would “send the message that widespread renewable energy sources are not a pipe dream.”
Susan Marsh of Lancaster said she is not “totally against it,” but wanted to make sure that it followed the comprehensive plan, was safe….[to-view-more]