Across the country, we are watching a frustrating spectacle as state and local officials are rejecting millions of dollars in new revenue for schools and local governments that could be raised by energy projects in their areas. They are rejecting these not because the projects are flawed, but because they have allowed themselves to be pressured by a small but vocal group of opponents armed with misinformation and rallied by toxic social media disinformation. Instead of governing for the benefit of the people and taxpayers at large, these decision makers are often bowing to the angry few, those who often attack solar, wind, energy storage, and other energy projects for no reason other than they do not like how they look.
What makes these decisions so tragic is that many rural communities are already starved for tax revenue to support their citizens and students. In these areas, property taxes on farm and ranch land are held artificially low thanks to special appraisal rules for agricultural operations, and while that helps keep agriculture viable, it also leaves schools and counties strapped for revenue or forces other taxpayers like homeowners and business owners to make up the difference. Because rural areas aren’t always the most attractive locations for capital intensives investments, the options for tax relief are limited, which is precisely why new high-dollar energy project investments are so important.
Fortunately, investments like wind, solar, energy storage, and other energy projects provide a way to bring in new revenue without raising taxes. Yet, poisoned by misinformation and disinformation often deliberately spread on social media, some of the very people who would benefit from these investments are the loudest voices opposing renewable projects, and decision makers are either too willing to cater to them, or unwilling to tell them the truth.
Some of these opponents are happy to accept property tax breaks that limit their communities’ revenue, and then lead campaigns against the energy projects that could solve the shortfall. Decision makers who listen to these voices are not standing up for their communities. They are condemning schools to struggle with fewer resources, forcing counties to cut back on essential services, and ensuring that rural America remains financially fragile.
Siting decisions for energy projects should not be based on whether someone thinks solar panels, oil wells, or wind turbines are pleasing to the eye. Decisions should be based on quantifiable technical and operating characteristics, so that companies can invest and generate the tax revenue that communities need to pay teachers, pave roads, keep deputies on patrol, and maintain a superb quality of life. Energy investments provide revenue to communities and landowners, jobs in rural America, and economic diversification.
Communities cannot afford to lose out on millions in new investment because of irrational misinformed fear and petty politics. Every time a project is rejected, the price is paid by children in classrooms, families who rely on public services, and taxpayers who are asked to cover the gap. We want to help officials make informed and thoughtful decisions and, for those who want the truth about energy projects, the Advanced Power Alliance offers a resource called Just the Facts, located at poweralliance.org/just-the-facts.
The information is there for the public and for public officials willing to lead with courage and integrity. APA stands ready to answer questions and provide facts about the work our members do because we believe rural communities deserve better information and a chance to win new investment.