To the editor:
On May 5, 2026, Richland County Voters will have the opportunity to vote whether to overturn the County Commissioners ban on utility-scale wind and solar development in 11 of 18 townships.
This is a citizen-led campaign to restore local control over energy development decisions. Farmers would have the opportunity to use their land as they choose, that is, to lease their land to generate clean locally produced energy that benefits their families and the community.
With the cost of electricity on the rise, in part due to manufacturing and data centers, Richland County should embrace the local energy production as electricity demand increases.
Banning renewable energy projects doesn’t make sense. Projects should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Voting NO means renewable energy development could be considered on each project for its own merits and give the people of Richland County a voice on each project individually.
According to the American Lung Association, there are more than 12,500 Richland County residents with asthma. Air pollution can be tied to dirty energy sources and can increase the frequency and severity of asthma attacks for our residents.
As a nurse for 40 years, I have seen the impacts of harmful air pollution on Richland County residents, especially our kids.
Please vote NO to preserve our rights to choose clean energy projects and protect our children’s health.
Carolyn Porterfield-Maxey
Mansfield, Ohio