Residents and soon-to-be non-residents in Sequoyah County, north of Highway 64 in Vian, zip code 74962, have recently been recording Agreements (on file Sequoyah County Courthouse) with Lhotse Solar, a subsidiary of Samsung. The company intends to lease their land for 35 years to develop a large solar array, which will supply energy to OG&E's transmission lines. While alternative energy sources are vital for our future, the placement and magnitude of this project raise significant concerns for our community's well-being.

This proposed solar farm will border both residential and agricultural lands, directly affecting the immediate environment and neighbors' daily life for generations. Our rural tranquility of our agricultural lands are at risk. Our community has invested decades into building a locale where quality of life, nature, and thriving agricultural opportunities thrive harmoniously. The scale and duration of this solar project jeopardize future generations' ability to enjoy this same standard of living.

Evidence suggests that proximity to large-scale industrial projects can depress property values. According to the National Association of Realtors, properties near solar projects often suffer valuation declines of up to 25%. Our infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle this commercial invasion, as it can't keep up currently with water line and road maintenance.

Environmental concerns loom as well. While solar energy is clean, the placement of such an expansive array could disrupt local ecosystems and agriculture-dependent livelihoods that flourish in this fertile region. Have Lhotse Solar and Samsung adequately assessed the long-term impacts on local wildlife, soil health, and agricultural practices? The potentially irreversible changes may overshadow their promise of green energy. Is any dismantling and disposal part of the plan? What equipment is guaranteed a 35-year useable life? 

Let's also consider our local identity. We in Sequoyah County cherish our rural character and close-knit community spirit, both of which are increasingly rare commodities. By pushing this industrial development, we risk losing the unique rural charm that defines us, trading it for faceless corporate expansion.

While we recognize the importance of renewable energy, we believe this proprietary interest should not compromise our home values, our environment, and our shared quality of life. Let's urge our local government officials and the developers to reconsider the location and scale of this project and seek solutions that will benefit both the environment and the community.

Sign this petition to protect Sequoyah County from an ill-considered solar farm development. Let's urge the decision-makers to find a balance that supports sustainable energy without sacrificing the health, wealth, and heritage of Sequoyah County.