WAGONER, Okla. — In a 2-1 vote, Wagoner County commissioners voted to deny the zoning for a $336 million solar farm that would have built panels over 4,500 acres near Porter.
The zoning failed on a 2-1 vote on June 16th. NextEra Energy Resources shared this statement about the denial.
"While NextEra Energy Resources is disappointed with the decision by the Board of County Commissioners, we remain deeply committed to working with local leaders to develop the Persica Solar project in Wagoner County and bring the benefits of the project to the community, including approximately $31 million dollars in tax payments over the lifetime of the project.”
Wagoner County residents reached out to 2 News after the original solar project proposal. In February, they shared concerns with county commissioners and the company behind the project, NextEra.
WATCH: Wagoner County commissioners deny zoning for 4500-acre solar farm near Porter
Those living in the county said their main concerns surround the environmental impact of the proposed solar farm. The stretch of land they want to use is farmland up against homes.
The company said it looked to generate up to 200 megawatts of clean, renewable energy for Wagoner County.
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Homeowners in Wagoner County disapprove of industrial solar panel project
Juliane Davis, who lives in the area, told 2 News the potential benefits didn’t outweigh what she saw as several negatives.
"Potential water pollution, negative effects to our livestock, (and) our well-being with health concerns," Davis said.
NextEra stated that the county would receive $31 million in tax revenue over the 30-year operation of the project, and it would have generated approximately 300 jobs.
Commission Chair James Hanning said after the meeting that despite his vote, he won't sunset the idea of solar energy in Wagoner County, "I feel for both sides. There probably is a path to consider this technology. It's just going to take a lot of work from the county's side, maybe look into counties who's (sic) done this before."
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