Thank you, Linn County supervisors, for solar vote

On behalf of the Iowa Land and Liberty Coalition, I want to thank Linn County supervisors for not only approving the Coggon solar project, but also leading as an example of how good government functions.

Linn County has provided a blueprint for how good public policy can lead to economic opportunity. The county took the time to create a thoughtful ordinance that balances economic development with the rights of its citizens and then led a fair and transparent process to discuss how a project fits within the guidelines.

This process sets a positive precedent for counties considering renewable energy projects. Linn County has shown it will weigh the input from community members, including farmers who have the right to decide which “crop” is best to grow on their private land.

Too often have counties enacted a moratorium to prepare or prevent future projects instead of trusting the diligent and fluid processes exhibited by Linn County officials. Linn County’s leadership is sound and has proved they’re prepared to consider all projects by way of thoughtful checks and balances rather than threatening future growth by way of a solar moratorium.

The farmers. — who I now call friends — whose freedom to choose renewable energy on their land was preserved by the supervisors, look forward to watching continued success in the county.

Nick Boeyink

Bondurant

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