Save Covington County From Toxic Solar Farms

Oakey Ridge/Lindsey Bridge Road community is a quiet rural community, rich in natural resources that allow a serene and quiet lifestyle for its many residents. Most houses sit on modest acreage and enjoy the beautiful view of wildlife and natural flora. We, the residents, believe in renewable energy and support its continued development when done in a responsible and respectful manner. There are areas of the County that do not encroach on the quiet clusters of neighbors who enjoy their country homes and the investments they have made in their land.
We ask Origis Energy/Alabama Power to relocate the project that entails installation of industrial-scale solar panels outside of this county to areas that is not populated by developed rural neighborhoods. The current proposed area of this project will create a sea of black panels to the front, side and rear of residents. We strongly believe the ill effect on our environment, beyond the eyesore will be irreversible and include:
Adverse, long-term consequences to natural resources on and within the surrounding proposed site.
Displacement of the area's thriving native wildlife and birds. This area is the home of the protected gopher tortoise and the endangered Eastern indigo snakes.
Indian artifacts are also found in this area.
Degradation of rural, scenic views the residents of this community chose to build and invest, and it is a growing area.
A decrease in surrounding property values caused by the wrongful siting of this utility-scale operation in a densely-populated rural area.
Concerns and costs related to the proper disposal of solar panels and storage batteries and the land being returned to its previous natural conditions at the end of the project.
In closing, we the undersigned strongly urge our state & local officials to take immediate action to preserve and protect our community's high-quality agricultural soils and farm operations, natural resources, native birds and wildlife, scenic viewsheds and home values by denying Origis Energy permits to build the proposed project in the identified area. A renewable energy project of this scale and magnitude is best suited for a more remote or industrial site in Covington County. Please join us in protecting the essential beauty and character of our rural community and its many resources from being degraded for decades by this industrial solar farm.

Concerned Citizens of Covington County Alabama