Hello fellow community members,

I would like to bring attention to a matter that may significantly impact our community. It has come to light that our local power company, LVE, is considering the development of a solar farm in the School Section just south of Thayne, near the landfill area. This project was initially proposed on private land owned by Dale Fluckiger through Avail Valley, but discussions have since shifted toward the School Section.

At a recent meeting regarding this proposal, attendance was limited, with approximately 60 community members present, along with several LVE representatives, a board member from Jackson, and State Representative McKay Erickson. Those in attendance expressed strong concerns and opposition to the project.

It is my understanding that this project may be supported through a combination of federal grant funding and sales tax revenue from Teton County. This has raised important questions among community members about regional decision-making and whether projects of this nature should be located closer to the areas advocating for them.

There are also concerns regarding the level of community engagement in this process. While a notice was included in the Bedford water bill, many residents feel that broader outreach and transparency are necessary for a project with potential long-term impacts.

If developed in the School Section, the proposed solar farm could affect local wildlife, bird populations, and natural resources such as Strawberry Creek, which flows into the Salt River. Additionally, this area is widely used by families and children year-round for recreation and outdoor activities.

Solar Farms are not only an eye sore that will significantly reduce aesthetic appeal and affecting our property value, but they also come with a lot of potential safety and environmental concerns including, a consistent humming from the low-level operational noise, glare/ reflections, electromagnetic fields causing possible toxic leaching like zinc from regular damages in panels into soil and water, or solar heat island affect. EMF Exposure are generally low however the chronic exposure from a consistent electromagnetic field is hazardous.

I am sharing this information to encourage awareness and community involvement. If you have concerns or would like to provide input, you may consider contacting the Wyoming State Board of Land Commissioners at the following:

    •    mailto:Charles.richardson@wyo.gov

    •    mailto:McKay.erickson@wyo.gov

    •    mailto:Secofstate@wyo.gov

    •    mailto:Drew.perkins@wyo.gov

    •    mailto:Slfmail@wyo.gov

Community voices are important in decisions that affect our shared spaces. I encourage respectful engagement and thoughtful consideration as this discussion moves forward.

Thank you for your time and attention.