Although the specifics may not relate to your particular renewable energy development, I feel this likely does generalize the misinformation which renewable energy developers present to the public.
By Jim Thompson III, Indian Lake, OH
I believe that public meetings, like the one being held tonight 9/5 from 5:00pm-7:00pm in the Indian Lake High School Cafeteria, are held with the hope of accomplishing two primary goals; 1) To help educate the public on a “new” idea, project, and/or process, & 2) Present information in a manner that will cultivate a feedback, a positive perception, and/or acceptance.
To first consider accepting an idea, one must gain trust and confidence in the source presenting the idea (which I encourage you to do with everything I present for your consideration). Although merely the opinion of a NIMBY, it lays out what I feel is a compelling case as to why everyone should question the sincerity, transparency, and how truthful Open Road Renewables/Grange Solar is, or has been, with you and your community.
Regrettably, this can/has seemingly been accomplished pointing out the misinformation, or disinformation, presented to the public surrounding only one of the major public concerns of utility-scale solar facilities… the regional loss of personal wealth attributed to declining property values in/around solar facilities.
Please read!
Telling the TRUTH, the whole TRUTH, and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH…
(This mini-novel was initially meant to be a Facebook post, but it became longer that what is likely acceptable on Facebook. Thus, now a document containing the ramblings of someone who opposes utility-scale renewables in Ohio based on my own experience and self-education. It is long, but does have a valid and relatable point to make about “truth”, “misinformation”, and “disinformation” and how it relates to the renewable energy industry many of us have experienced in Ohio by citing such behavior witnessed in Logan County, Ohio and the Grange Solar project. I apologize in advance for any misspelt words and/or any potentially poor use of grammar. I also apologize for the inclusion of one profane word, which technically isn’t “mine”, but a famous quote from an infamous actor of long ago.)
Unfortunately, I believe, we live in a day and age where institutions such as governments, private business/industry, media, and organizations who take advantage of current regulator challenges, feast upon an apathetic public by portraying techniques, policy, ideals, or opportunities in a manner to mislead or deceive via the internet and social media. Regrettably, it appears the value that we as a society place on “truth” has degraded (I believe significantly) in my lifetime.
This belief, I feel is easily validated when one considers the “My Truth” movement. When I began hearing this phrase years ago it definitely caught my attention when said, however I admit I was confused as to exactly what it meant. Even upon researching it, as this phrase has multiple definitions associated with it, I still have trouble comprehending its use. Being the son of a father who had a successful career in law enforcement and a mother who was raised working on the family farm, what is and isn’t a “truth” was a principle that was drilled into my very being. Admittedly, like many moving through adolescence, a principle which I had difficulty full adhering to. However, a foundational principle which has become increasingly pursued and prominent as I have grown older, wiser, and more rooted in my Christian faith.
Today, we find ourselves hearing cringeworthy references/phrases to what is seemingly becoming the socially acceptable levels of what the truth is. Terms such as “misinformation”, “disinformation”, “my truth”, “your truth”, and “their truth” are admittedly terms that grab one’s attention, but what do they mean? To save you the time from looking up, I have included their definition as described in the Marriam-Webster Dictionary:
Truth – the real facts about something: things that are true
Misinformation – incorrect or misleading information
Disinformation – false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of
rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth
My, Your, Their Truth – not readily defined in a dictionary, but upon my research this term is defined as “a non-negotiable personal opinion or perception that is held to be true”. (Feel free to correct me, as I admitted, I’m still remain unsure.)
So, at this point you might be rightfully scratching your head and wondering what on earth does this have to do with the renewable energy industry? Well, I am slowly getting to how this relates based on my experience(s) over the past few years. Of course, these are merely my opinion(s)… dare I say “My Truths”, but I offer them to you for consideration when you read and/or listen to those within the renewable energy industry make public claims as to how wonderful their proposed development is and how it will help communities achieve things which before them would never have been possible.
I want to begin by sharing how I find it laughable that so many utility-scale renewable energy developers emphasize how they wish to be an integral part of our community and, well... doggonit, just be “Good Neighbors”. Singing, at the top of their lungs, the how they are going to be a community’s savior by bringing in so much revenue to our schools, townships, and counties. Seeming genuflecting each time they preach the “fire and brimstone” of the economic, social, and environmental benefits their glorious project will bring. Spiting those who do not bow to at the alter of Green Energy and labeling those who do not as heretics.
What’s that you are thinking? Are you thinking that this sounds like the guy writing this is just another poorly educated rural hick from the Midwest who fears change, is just jealous of his neighbors for reaping unfathomable profits, and who just doesn’t want to look out across his backyard and/or see hundreds of thousands of solar panels or dozens of wind turbines twice the height of the Statue of Liberty (which, by the way, is seemingly the collective stereotype those in the renewable energy industry have of you)? Although there is some truth in this stereotype, which makes it effective when employed, I do believe this is how those who oppose are looked down upon.
However, I offer the following as evidence to back up both my experience and opinion…
Although a bit off topic, the following reflects what I believe is held as a common opinion throughout the renewable energy industry. An opinion that, as just described, is one that is neither flattering and quite demeaning. This, I hope after reading, will help you better understand just how little faith, or trust, this industry puts in you as an individual nor you locally elected officials. Yet, they desire you are at least smart enough to believe 100% of everything that THEY tell you…quite the double edged sword.
In reviewing a Merit Brief, submitted by a renewable energy developer, which has been submitted to the Ohio Supreme Court (Case No. 2023-1286), appealing an Ohio Power Siting Board’s decision to deny a utility-scale solar project in Greene County, Ohio, the following is how those in this industry (and others) feel about you and your community (a belief I also which is held by organizations such as the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, as reflected in their amicus curiae brief on the same case)… The attorney for the developer appealing the Siting Board’s decision argues that “…the Board [the Ohio Power Siting Board] cannot look to the opinions of a few elected governmental officials, characterize those opinions as for the public welfare, and weigh them higher than the many actual public interest benefits that the Board attributed to the Project.” Going on to infer that the very government, who we collectively elected to govern us at all levels of government, well... the developer is apparently saying these elected officials shouldn’t be listening to the hundreds or thousands (if not more) constituents who have shared their opposition to such renewable energy projects and having what I feel is the audacity to claim that in doing so is a dangerous path to be walking down. Additionally, inferring that one can only be opposed to the project if they provide testimony, at a hearing, as an intervening party and in my opinion only opinions of industry experts… not you.
So, this is just one example (of many) that can be given as to just how little it appears that those within this industry feel about you or your opinion. Yep, I’m sure if we do some soul searching we will admit that not giving a rip about our neighbor’s opinion, while claiming to be a “Good Neighbor” is how we would define and describe what a “Good Neighbor” is.
As a layman, how does the argument that local opinion (either by property owners, and/or elected officials) make sense as the Ohio Power Siting Board REQUIRES (per Ohio Administrative Code 4906-3-03(B)(1)&(2) that a developer hold a Public Information Meeting to present the limits of a project and a summary of their application to the public as well as to solicit written comments from the attendees of said meeting? Or, why is a Public Hearing required per Ohio Revised Code 4906.07(A) & Ohio Administrative Code 4906-2-9 at which members of the public can testify, before the administrative judge appointed to oversee the development’s application, as to their approval or disapproval of the proposed development? Or, why does Ohio Revised Code 4906.08 both define and allow for members of the public to become “intervening parties” who have the right to both testify and present evidence at an Adjudicatory Hearing, as is allowed per Ohio Revised Code 4906.03, so as to convince the Board if the proposed project meets, or does not meet, all of the eight criteria for approval of and issuance of an application as defined in Ohio Revised Code 4906.10?
The process of involving and soliciting the opinion of the public, as well as local governments, is seemingly engrained within the established rules and regulations of the Ohio Power Siting Board itself, if not Ohio law. So why are renewable energy developers, and their advocates, discounting and pushing for the exclusion of the public’s opinion? Because developers, as the one in the cited in their Merit Brief, “… take issue with the Board acknowledging the value added by the public comments…” and that “… the Board’s review and reliance upon the sentiments expressed in the comments was unlawful and unreasonable.”. In my opinion, this adequately reflects that they just DO NOT CARE about your opinion. Which is seemingly contrary to various talking point positions developers make when coming into our communities. These talking points being, and I paraphrase, “We are sincere in wanting to learn of the community’s concerns and work with them to mitigate,” “We are understanding and responsive to the particular needs of communities,” “We want to collaborate and through significant investment make a lasting positive impact in local communities.” Great talking points, but do they really?
Perhaps, we should be judging such false profits by their actions, and not their words. If you have made it thus far, I’ve only given small examples as to why we should reflect on the actions of this industry and give pause when listening to a developer’s words. This FINALLY brings me to the point of this post… this being IS A DEVELOPER’S TRUTH THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH?
Developers throughout Ohio decry that local grassroots groups who sprout up in opposition to their proposed development proliferate magnitudes of false statements, misinformation, and/or disinformation to friends, neighbors, and family throughout their community and beyond. Implying that they, the developer, should not be questioned as they have already invested hundreds of hours, spending millions of dollars, and have multitudes of studies of all sorts that validate nearly every syllable that they speak or share with the public. Unfortunately, this tactic of attack and determent, although quite successful, does little to prove being a “Good Neighbor” nor establishing that a development to be good for the community. I believe renewable energy developers have implemented such a tactic quite well and with much success here in Ohio. However, despite believing I feel that developer’s having a heavier burden to carry in providing open/honest reasoning and justification for their project, it is this industry’s developers and advocates who perpetrate the lion’s share of false information, misinformation, and/or disinformation. The following is just a couple examples…
The following shows what I believe to be intentional use of misinformation/disinformation/truth as it applies to a proposed Open Road Renewables solar facility in Logan County and their position regarding the valuation of properties surrounding their proposed development, Grange Solar. (A developer by the way who, by their own admission, “… works diligently to provide accurate, well-vetted information about solar, the Project, and its potential impacts on the community.”)
Per the Grange Solar “Solar and Property Values” publication, available on their website, this document repeatedly and steadfastly makes the claim that “SOLAR FACILITIES DO NOT REDUCE PROPERTY VALUES”. Open Road Renewables/Grange Solar goes on to cite a handful of studies in this document, for which I can only assume both Open Road Renewables/Grange Solar believes validate their oft repeated position on property valuations. A belief they must have and fully endorse as I believe each study states written permission must be obtained for any use other than that intended by the client the study was conducted for.
However, what these studies do indeed reflect… well, they just say they do not validate nor cause to make true claims made by Grange Solar. Not wishing to steal from you the great enjoyment and satisfaction I received from reading through these studies, for those of you who wish me to cut to my point, the following are excerpts from the studies the developer apparently hopes you will not read and will just “trust them”…
University of Rhode Island – Property Value Impacts of Commercial-Scale Solar Energy In
Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Grange Solar states that this study “Found no negative impacts on property values from solar farms located in rural areas.” Here is what this study actually says:
“We find substantially larger negative effects [7% or greater] for properties within 0.1 miles and properties surrounding solar sites built on farm and forest lands in non-rural areas.”
“We also examine heterogeneity in treatment effects in several ways. First, with respect to proximity, we find substantially larger negative impacts on homes located within 0.1 mile of solar installations (-7.0%).”
“This model indicates that on average, houses lying within one mile of solar installations sell for 1.7% less post construction relative to properties further away, all else equal.”
“Using a difference-in-differences, repeat sales identification strategy, results suggest that houses within one mile depreciate 1.7% following construction of a solar array…”.
Throughout the University of Rhode Island study, it repeatedly states the devaluation of properties surrounding a solar facility were witnessed. This FACT is contrary to the “fact” has been promoted by Grange Solar and amounts to nothing less than amounts to disinformation (or to me, a lie) as it obvious in its intention and deception. On the other hand, I suppose Grange solar would argue it would merely depend on one’s opinion of what “negative” is, but does it?
You might think a single obvious and blatantly deceptive example should be enough, but many of us wish to have more so as to give any/all reasonable and rational doubt to the person(s) making such a statement, therefore I offer a second (and yes as I am being long winded a third) to validate my opinion.
CohnReznick -Property Value Impact Study
This study “Examined sales of single-family homes and agricultural land near nine solar facilities in Indiana and Illinois. Found no negative impact on property values due to proximity to the nine facilities.” -per Grange Solar (This particular study is a popular one often cited by renewable energy developers and used across the Midwest as evidence that solar facilities (specifically like the one Grange Solar is proposing) do not affect property values.)
In reviewing the “study”, you will immediately learn that the solar developments analyzed within in DO NOT relate in size to Grange Solar… not even remotely if you squint really hard and turn away from it. The capacity of the smallest analyzed facility is 1.0MW and the largest analyzed in this study being 20MW. The result being the average size being 5.87MW and the median 1.96Mw. I don’t know about you, but my West Central Ohio grade-school math education taught me that 20MW is terribly smaller than 300MW. So, this is just the first example of misinformation/disinformation in this one study alone.
I also find it more than disingenuous that Grange Solar uses such a blatant and obvious Apples to Oranges comparison and tries to lay claim that this study, along with others, is definitive proof of finding “no negative impact on property values”. What other reason, other than deception, can be the reason Grange Solar refers to a study that focuses on much smaller solar facilities as there are multiple other solar facilities within the stated boundaries of the study that dwarf those used to make such a determination or opinion. Solar facilities in rural/agricultural communities such as:
120MW 1,890 acre development in Madison County
200MW 1,800 acre development in Shelby County (north)
200+MW 1,900 acre development in Shelby County (south)
200MW 1,440 acre development in Lake County
195MW 1,777 acre development in Clinton County
400MW 4,000 acre development in Howard County
700MW 5,000 acre development in Jasper County
300MW 3,000 acre development in Posey County
1,000MW 4,500 acre development in Pulaski County
Are now you beginning to see how Grange Solar is using misinformation/disinformation and relying on your apathy and trust to their benefit? Well, what if I told you that CohnReznick, the very company who conducted this survey, is a global company with deep expertise supporting governmental programs whose dedicated professionals help companies, companies similar to Open Road Renewables/Grange Solar, to operationalize and maximize funding within the Sustainable Energy Industry? I hate to be “That Guy,” but to me this “more than kinda” seems to reflect a potentially significant and substantial bias that both Grange Solar and the author of this study likely have. A bias that should have been made known, via disclaiming verbiage, when the reader is evaluating both its relational validity as well as the accuracy of the study.
Oops… I forgot to mention… this study DOES NOT even consider homes that are adjacent to a solar facility on more than one side! How many homes, within the current Grange Solar footprint, have found that they will be surrounded on more than one side of their property?! So, yet another example of misinformation/disinformation within the same study.
One instance can be chalked up to being a mistake, two instances a coincidence, now three instances… this, in my opinion, reflect an intent to deceive.
Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory Study – Shedding light on large-scale solar impacts: An analysis of property values and proximity to photovoltaics across six U.S. states
Here, Grange solar again attempts to validate the title of property value handout “SOLAR AND PROPERTY VALUES – SOLAR FACILITIES DO NOT REDUCE PROPERTY VALUES”, but again fails. This handout states that this “…study found on average a statistically insignificant impact, with the highest negative impact in the states with the highest population density.” Last I checked, you cannot have it both ways… that Is, claiming that there is no loss in property value while at the same time claiming that the impact to property values being insignificant. Isn’t it one or the other?! What does this study actually say what property devaluations are:
Homes 0.0 – 0.25 miles from a solar facility: 2.3% devaluation.
Homes 0.0 – 0.5 miles from solar facility: 1.5% devaluation.
Homes 0.5 - 1.0 miles from a solar facility: 0.82% devaluation.
“The negative impact of LSPVPs on home values is particularly pronounced for homes located 0 to 0.5 miles from a LSPVP where we see home values declining by 4 percent six years after LSPVP construction.”
“When separating transactions by the prior land use and the area of the LSPVP to which they are closest, as well as by the urbanicity of the home, we observe statistically significant effects only for transactions near LSPVPs sited on previously agricultural land, transactions in rural areas, and transactions near larger LSPVPs by area. We observe decreases of 3%, 4.2%, and 3.1% for homes within 0–0.5 mi of LSPVPs on previously agricultural land, in rural areas, or near large LSPVPs, respectively, compared to homes 2–4 mi away.”
Hopefully, this third and last(?) example was as they say “the charm” that shows an obvious and intentional pattern of implementing misinformation, disinformation, or false statements for the benefit (and ultimately profit) Open Road Renewables and Grange Solar.
These, sadly, aren’t the only “talking points” from renewable energy developers for which such behavior can be easily identified if anyone would take the time watch, listen, and research on their own. I could share similar conflicts between a developer’s talking points for Payment In Lieu Of Taxes, Levelized Cost Of Energy (LCOE), Property Rights, and so on. As my parents taught me, and as my wife and I taught our children, “If we cannot trust you on the small things, how can we trust you on the big things.”
I have one last (I promise) example…albeit maybe small and perhaps considered trivial… What is with the name of this project… “Grange Solar Grazing Center”?! Personally, I could care less if the development was named “Henry & Rhoda’s Go-Go Juice Makin’ and Wool Factory”. But if you cannot even be honest about the name of your facility, I mean come on! I’m pretty willing to bet a dollar to a donut that soon after I have shared this document, with the hope of proving I am spreading misinformation, that Grange Solar, LLC will fill appropriate paperwork with the Ohio Secretary of State and the Ohio Power Siting Board changing the legal name of their company.
Here is my rub with the name… Despite anything and everything I have said already, if you cannot be true to yourself in who you identify as or how you identify yourself to others, as a result how can others put any faith in you? Would be like if I were trying to sell you an expensive diamond ring and when I introduced myself to you, I shared that my name was Mario. Then, when it was determined you were sincerely considering purchasing the diamond ring from me, I told you my name really was Wendy. Would you have full confidence in me being the rightful owner of the ring, if the ring was actually a diamond, or if my name was even Mario, Wendy, or something else?
Perhaps more relatable to this specific project and subject; when those reside in the region of this project receive any mail from Grange Solar Grazing Center are they going to be assuming it is junk mail and deposit directly into the trash bin, as it is not the name of project or the company proposing it? Potentially throwing away what could be pertinent information or worse yet, time sensitive legal documents. Or perhaps just as bad, if those who submit Public Comments to the Ohio Power Siting Board, referencing their comments to the “Grange Solar Grazing Center” going to have their comments not be registered (or worse yet considered) as this is not the name of a project/any project registered anywhere within the Ohio Power Siting Board. This changing of identity is a big deal, should be taken as such, and questioned as it certainly can have huge implications if not fully understood.
I have long said that both the renewable energy industry, its developers and advocates employ the W.C. Fields philosophy of marketing and public/political engagement. This philosophy being, “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit.” I have shown, I believe well, that this is quite true as there is seemingly no other rational or reasonable reason as to why Grange Solar would attempt to use unrelatable and biased studies to prove their public position and knowing full well if/once read they would reflect a position contrary to Grange Solar. How is this not misinformation, disinformation, and/or false statements, as Open Road Renewables/Grange Solar seeming are just trying to baffle you with information, regardless if this information supports Grange’s position, and hoping you will not take the time to read it and declare it “B$*#S^!T”. Ironically, it is this very ideal which I believes goes to validate the stereotype mentioned earlier… that those within the renewable energy industry, developers, and advocates thereof believe people like me… LIKE US, are… just another apathetic group of poorly educated rural hicks from the Midwest who fear change, jealous of our neighbors for reaping unfathomable profits, and who just doesn’t want to look out across their backyard from our kitchen window and/or see hundreds if not thousands of solar panels and/or dozens of wind turbines that are twice the height of the Statue of Liberty. Ultimately and unfortunately, a group of people who can be either bought or conned.
DON’T BE FOOLED! When you listen to those who speak in favor of such developments, remember sometimes what IS NOT said is of much greater importance that what is or has been said! Although it isn’t as easy as it sounds to identify or do as it is happening, you have friends, neighbors, and family spreading across Ohio that are willing to lend you a hand. Standing together, united, and working towards maintaining our community’s heritage as well as protecting the health, safety, and welfare, of our neighbors, family, and community, we can present a tremendous grassroots effort to combat the multiple and potentially severe adverse conditions renewable energy developments pose.
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