Growing up in Presque Isle, I've seen our community band together through thick and thin, cherishing our land and way of life as precious gifts. Today, we're facing a threat that shakes the very foundations of our heritage and our environment—the ongoing Presque Isle solar projects. While renewable energy is crucial for our future, this particular project comes at a high cost to our farmland, community, and local wildlife.

Big solar companies are targeting small communities like ours, preying on individuals who might be in desperate financial situations, including widows. These companies often do not fully disclose the ramifications of their installations. For instance, the noise generated can be unbearable,(The panels in Hawks have not been turned on yet!) and the installation involves glass and concrete embedding into the soil, compromising its integrity and life-supporting characteristics. Additionally, miles of fencing disrupt the natural routes of deer and other wildlife that have traversed these lands for generations.

According to research, industrial solar farms can severely alter local ecosystems, increase soil erosion, and compromise agricultural productivity due to the construction and operational processes. A comprehensive study conducted by the American Farmland Trust highlights how farmland is critical to our food systems, wildlife habitat, and environmental health. This project could disrupt our fragile ecosystems and heritage, with irreversible consequences.

There are smarter, more community-centered solutions that could provide both energy and sustainable land use. Solutions such as integrating solar panels on existing infrastructure, focusing on areas that are already developed for industrial use, or installing community-shared solar arrays that do not infringe on precious farmland and environmental resources can be explored. These alternatives make for responsible energy progress while ensuring our land continues to thrive.

We urge the local government and relevant stakeholders to pause this current solar project and reassess its impact on our beloved Presque Isle county. We also demand a environmental impact assessment prior to all project considerations done by the company responsible. Meanwhile let's explore alternative solutions that respect our community’s values and preserve our land for future generations.

I need your help to protect our community and environment from this harmful project, one we do not know the impacts of fully. Sign this petition to prioritize sustainable and ethical practices when pursuing renewable energy solutions in Presque Isle. and surrounding counties.