The following county-level groups are actively working to engage with local officials about the pros and cons of large-scale solar projects. Contact the one closest to you to get involved and find out how to help.
Augusta County
STOP the Augusta County Solar Project is working to raise awareness of proposed solar developments in and around Staunton and other Augusta County localities, such as Stuart’s Draft. Go to their Facebook page to contact them and see maps of proposed utility-scale solar developments.
Culpeper County
Citizens for Responsible Solar works to advance responsible solar policies that balance the demand for renewable energy with the interest of counties and their residents. They seek to raise awareness about the destruction of Virginia’s rural landscapes and work to save agricultural and forested land from industrial-scale solar projects. Visit their website or Facebook page to contact them and get regular updates on their activities.
Mecklenburg County
Friends of the Meherrin River is a group of concerned residents who are working to protect the scenic Meherrin River against overflow and erosion caused by large-scale solar projects in the county, especially the Red Brick Solar project that is proposed at the headwaters of the Meherrin. For more information, contact Judy Brothers, Friends of the Meherrin River, 31257 Highway 49, Chase City VA 23924, (434) 372-0142. (See Solar projects and erosion in the 25 Sep 2021 Farmville Herald for more details.)
Page County
Stop Industrial Solar in Page County was created as a place for county residents to get information about proposed industrial-scale solar projects that are at various stages of development. The group also follows projects in other areas, including Virginia, and the concerns being raised by their construction and future decommissioning. Follow their Facebook page to get updates on new posts.
Shenandoah County
Shenandoah County Citizens for Responsible Solar was established to provide a voice for residents concerned about the destruction of farmland and rural landscapes by industrial-scale solar projects. See their Facebook page for more information and to stay up-to-date with their activities and opportunities for engagement, or contact them directly at shenandoahcitizenssolar@gmail.com.
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