GARDNER, Kansas – A 93-year-old woman, Donna Knoche, stood tall at the Johnson County Commission hearing on June 6, 2022, ready to defend her family’s land rights and their ability to benefit from it. This land has been in her family since her grandfather first homesteaded it in the 1860s. Knoche and other landowners were facing off against those who were advocating for a utility-scale solar panel project known as the West Gardner plan.
The debate over this solar project has become more than just a local issue. It’s symbolic of a larger national disagreement about the future of clean energy and its impact on the environment. As the US strives to transition to renewable energy, opposition groups have formed across the country, impeding the development of wind and solar farms. In fact, a USA TODAY analysis revealed that as of December, 15% of US counties had restrictions or outright bans on new utility-scale renewable energy projects.
For the Knoche family, the decision to consider leasing their land to a solar farm was also about ensuring the longevity of the property. With 1,190 acres of farmland passed down through generations, they sought to maximize the land’s potential without selling it off or dividing it. However, their decision sparked a deep divide in the community.
Amid the uproar, opponents voiced misgivings about the impact of industrial wind and solar energy projects on their rural landscape, alleging threats to property values, environmental contamination, and community well-being. Despite opposition, proponents of the solar farm argued that the project could provide benefits while maintaining the region’s rural character.
This dilemma reflects a larger tension between rural and urban development. As solar and wind energy projects become more common, they’re increasingly clashing with agricultural communities, sparking contentious debates about land utilization and property rights. The Knoche family’s saga provides a microcosm of these broader national issues.