After more than a year since an evidentiary hearing Aug. 15, 2023, regarding the Fountain Point Solar Energy LLC project to build a 280 MW utility solar facility in Bokescreek Township, the case finally came to a conclusion Thursday afternoon, Sept. 19.
In a split 6-3 vote, the Ohio Power Siting Board approved a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need for the Fountain Point Solar Energy LLC to move forward with the solar-powered electric-generating facility on approximately 2,700 acres.
Two of the dissenting votes came from the two local ad hoc members on the board, Logan County Commissioner Michael Yoder, and Trustee Jeff Spencer, who was selected by the boards of trustees from Bokescreek and Rushcreek townships. (This project also formerly included Rushcreek Township).
Commissioner Yoder spoke during the discussion time prior to the vote during the brief hearing Thursday in Columbus, which could be viewed via livestream via the Ohio Power Siting Board’s website. The county commissioner noted his involvement during recent years in numerous meetings and discussions regarding this solar project and others proposed for Logan County.
He related the local opposition to the project and noted local individuals were in attendance at the OPSB meeting. They could be seen wearing “No Solar in Logan County” T-shirts.
“Through those many discussions I’ve been involved in, I believe about 85 percent of the community is against this project,” Commissioner Yoder said.
For more details and the staff report on this project, visit https://opsb.ohio.gov/cases/21-1231-el-bgn.
Check back for further updates and see Saturday’s print edition for a full story.