Representation by David Beech
- Date submitted
- 27 April 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
While renewable energy sources are critical for reducing our carbon footprint, I believe that this should not be achieved at the expense of our agricultural lands. Firstly, the conversion of agricultural land to solar farms will have a negative impact on our food supply. As our population grows, we need to ensure that we have enough food to meet our needs. Agricultural land is a valuable resource that we cannot afford to lose. By using this land for solar panels, we are reducing our ability to produce food, which could lead to food shortages and higher prices. Secondly, solar farms on agricultural land could have a negative impact on the environment. While solar energy is clean and renewable, the installation of solar panels requires the use of materials such as concrete, steel, and glass. The manufacturing and transportation of these materials can have a significant carbon footprint, which could offset some of the environmental benefits of solar energy. Additionally, the installation of solar panels on agricultural land could disrupt local ecosystems and reduce biodiversity. Finally, the use of agricultural land for solar farms could have negative economic impacts on local communities. Many rural communities rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, and the loss of agricultural land could lead to job losses and economic hardship. Additionally, the installation of solar farms could lead to a decline in property values, which could have negative impacts on local tax revenues. In conclusion, while I support the development of renewable energy sources, I believe that this should not come at the expense of our agricultural lands. We need to find alternative solutions that allow us to achieve our climate goals without sacrificing our food supply, the environment, and local communities. I urge you to reconsider the use of 7000 acres of agricultural land for solar panels and explore alternative options that are more sustainable and equitable.