Grange Solar Grazing Center announced its decision following the Ohio Power Siting Board’s recommendation to deny its application for a "Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need."
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In light of the Ohio Power Siting Board staff recommending denial of its application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need, Open Road Renewables’ Grange Solar Grazing Center is withdrawing its application.
At the Washington Township Board of Trustees meeting in Lewistown, a large number of residents expressed concerns with the project.
August 23, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Power Siting Board: COLUMBUS, OHIO (August 22, 2024) – The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) today authorized Scioto Ridge Solar, LLC to construct, operate, and maintain a 110 megawatt solar-powered electric generation facility and a 20 megawatt battery energy storage facility in Lynn, McDonald, and Taylor Creek townships in Hardin County. The Scioto Ridge Solar Project will consist of large arrays of solar panels, ground-mounted on a tracking rack system. The project will occupy approximately 822 acres within an approximately 2,029-acre project area.
The decision came down today during the Ohio Power Siting Board meeting, where they voted in favor of denying a certificate of environmental capability for Lightsourcebp's Birch Solar Project. Residents in Allen and Auglaize County over the past two years have voiced their concern over the project, and a Shawnee Township trustee says that the people's voice was heard by the board.
An public hearing was held to hear opinions on a potential solar project in Allen and Auglaize counties. The Ohio Power Siting Board set up the hearing at the Allen County Fairgrounds on the Birch Solar Project.
Commissioners are currently preparing for a meeting over the contents of Senate Bill 52. Senate Bill 52 would give more power to local authorities in communities that could have wind and solar projects.
Thursday, the UNOH Event Center was filled with community members and experts working with the proposed solar farm. This was the first time that Birch Solar was able to meet with the public in person versus over a video conference. Tables were set up with informational posters explaining the process of the solar farm that’s planned to be set up in Shawnee Township. Birch Solar says they’re excited to continue the process of putting up the solar farm and becoming a part of the community.
A group called “Against Birch Solar” met at Winona Lake and invited other people in the area to learn more about the proposed project.
The Birch Solar Farm Project would occupy over 1,000 acres in Allen and Auglaize County. The project is anticipated to deliver nearly 600,000-megawatt hours of renewable energy annually into the local AEP grid. The letter has been signed by Beth Seibert (Allen County Commissioner), Brian Winegardner (Allen County Commissioner), Cory Noonan (Allen County Commissioner, Rachel Gilroy (Allen County Auditor), Krista Bohn (Allen County Treasurer), and Brian Rhodes (Allen County Engineer.