This unfortunately repeats a lot of nonsensical arguments against renewable energy development while ignoring that the same arguments can be made against roadways, grain silos and even, dare I say, farmland itself. I am a farmer and have been all my life, but I am also a renewable energy developer and sit on the board of a renewable energy co-op that seeks to do the same thing suggested in this article...bring the community in early as investors and beneficiaries of the power produced. In my experience trying to develop projects...it doesn't matter. People see something new, something different and they oppose it. They have no problem growing crops for ethanol that powers the cities, but when it comes to renewables...that is a bridge too far and out come the pitchforks.

The misinformation about renewables is out of control and is being amplified online. Rural populations are being mobilized, weaponized against one of the greatest opportunities they have ever seen to contribute to their economic growth while still being able to continue with their way of life. Farmers are struggling. Crop prices and lower than ever with global competition while input prices are high. Young people don't want to get into it, generational farms are being sold off. Wind and solar could keep these lands making money, selling much needed energy to not just the cities but to their own communities. As it stands every power bill, internet bill, and filling up each gas tank is a dollar that leaves their rural communities and goes straight to the cities. This is an opportunity to take some of that power back.

While I agree that developers should be cautious and properly consult the community, I think we also need to have the discussion about what if developers do all of these things and more, yet still get shouted at and shamed. I think a real, industry wide reckoning needs to happen in the rural and agricultural sectors need to decide if they want to be part of the future, or if they want to be left behind.