Our beloved town of Rome, Wisconsin, is facing a significant challenge. Nextera/Akron is planning to clear cut 2,000 acres of our precious timber to make way for a solar farm. As residents and taxpayers of Rome, this project does not align with the character and the needs of our town.

The clear cutting of such an expansive area would have a detrimental impact on our local environment. Our forests provide essential ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, habitat for wildlife, and recreational spaces for our community. Removing 2,000 acres of timber will disrupt these services, leading to long-term ecological damage that a solar farm cannot compensate for.

Furthermore, Rome’s charm comes from its natural landscapes which attract tourists, support local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for residents. The massive scale of deforestation proposed by Nextera/Akron threatens these economic and social benefits by fundamentally altering the character of our town.

While renewable energy is vital for a sustainable future, it is important to weigh the environmental costs against the benefits and consider more balanced approaches. Consider the potential for rooftop solar installations, or other locations that do not necessitate such massive deforestation. These alternatives could provide renewable energy without the severe environmental impact.

We call upon the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to refuse the permit for this project. By doing so, we safeguard our environment, our community, and our values.

Please sign this petition to protect Rome’s environment and preserve our town’s unique character. Your support is crucial in demonstrating our community’s collective voice against this unsustainable development.