Our county discussion of commercial solar energy is like blind people describing an elephant. Everyone speaks to their issue but no one identifies the issue that should unify us all. Climate change is real. The science is undeniable but your common sense tells you conditions are changing. Armadillos should not be in Kansas. The apocalyptic cascade of rising and warming oceans, worsening storms, draught, famine, resulting mass migration to avoid starvation, social unrest and eventually violent conflict is already unfolding. WAKE UP! We can do something about this. Many from Bourbon County have traveled far to do clean up disaster relief. Embracing renewable energy like commercial solar is our communities’ opportunity, even obligation, to help “clean up” climate change. Yes, our county is not zoned and land owners have the right to use their land. In this case using it for solar will ultimately benefit us all. Yes, we should listen to people who have voiced concerns but the risks they describe can be mitigated and, in the larger picture, are minor compared to the disaster of unresolved climate change.

Our county commissioners have a choice. They can use citizen concerns to block solar development or they can address the issues, solve the problem and move forward with solar. Solve the problem and serve the world by becoming part of the climate change solution. Solve the problem and, in this win-win scenario, promote economic development for Bourbon County. Development with the potential to yearly bring millions of dollars into the county for the duration of the projects. Solve the problem and avoid the potential for significant legal liability loss that becomes a burden on the citizens of this county. Commissioners, the choice is in your hands. The path forward seems pretty clear.

Randy Nichols