Stockton solar farm discussion set: Silicon Ranch to share plans, answer questions

Silicon Ranch, a company proposing a 2,000-acre solar farm on 4,500 acres in Stockton, Alabama, has scheduled a town hall meeting to share information and address public concerns. The meeting, set for Wednesday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the John R. Rhodes Civic Center in Bay Minette, will include a project presentation and a question-and-answer session. This solar farm is intended to supply power to an expansion of the Meta Data Center located in Montgomery. The project has generated considerable discussion and concern among the community and public officials since its announcement in early February. A primary issue highlighted by residents and the "Stop Solar in Stockton" group is the potential impact on wetlands on the property, which has led to a request for a planning and zoning referendum. In response to these concerns, State Senator Greg Albritton introduced bill SB354, which aims to impose a one-year ban on the construction and operation of new solar power facilities. Additionally, State Representative Matt Simpson has introduced bills HB617 and HB618, focusing on either enhancing local oversight for solar developments or enacting a temporary freeze on projects for up to a year while new guidelines are established. Silicon Ranch has created a dedicated webpage to provide more information about the Stockton Solar Farm project.