Huntington County officials listen to feedback on proposed solar project

HUNTINGTON COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) — “We need to protect our agriculture.”

It was one of many emotional declarations that fell upon the ears of hundreds of Huntington County residents during a special meeting Tuesday night.

The Huntington County Plan Commission and the Huntington County Commissioners held a 2-hour meeting Tuesday to hear feedback from the public on proposed solar fields.

“I’m fighting against it because of my family and my grandchildren that would be exposed to these toxic chemicals that are in these panels,” said Huntington County resident Don Freiberger.

“Paddlefish and EDF as a whole, what they’re doing is they’re playing politics and they’re only giving half-truth,” said Huntington County resident Bob Bolen.

Paddlefish Solar – a global renewable energy company – is looking to place solar panels across more than 2,000 acres of farmland in Huntington and Wells counties.

Huntington County Commissioner Tom Wall said residents brought up valid arguments in Tuesday’s meeting, giving commissioners a lot to discuss.

“Though the money would be nice, Huntington County doesn’t need it,” Wall said.

Ultimately, the county says they plan on speaking with a land use attorney before they decide on the official next steps, which could take another couple of weeks.

Still, some residents believe the officials have their best interest in mind when making decisions.

“One thing I know about our county commissioners is they’re fair, they’re open. They’re transparent. They have heard all of our concerns. And the great news is if we’ve missed any, they’re still willing to listen through the entire process,” Bolen said.

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