- An Alliance For Community Action
- (970) 256-7650
- info@WesternColoradoAlliance.org
Defend Solar in Montrose on May 8th
| For two years, Western Colorado Alliance members have worked hard with Montrose County leaders to end the ban on utility scale solar energy projects. We helped write new land development rules that protect our farmland and respect landowners, while also supporting economic development through renewable, affordable energy. After three drafts, we thought we had it — a strong, fair plan that could work for everyone and had been approved by the Montrose Planning Commission. But now, the new County Commissioners want to throw out all of that hard work. We can’t let that happen. We need your voice. Join our Clean & Renewable Energy & Sustainability Team today to help push for clean energy and protect the common-sense land development code we’ve worked so hard on. A new public meeting will happen May 8th at 9:30am at the Public Works Building, located at 1221 6450 Rd in Montrose — and we need all hands on deck. This is our chance to bring solar back to Montrose and build a local renewable energy economy that works for everyone. Here are the key messages our public officials need to hear from you: This code respects our landowners and protects our community. It upholds private property rights, giving landowners the freedom to decide how to use their land. At the same time, it ensures large solar projects are done responsibly — with setbacks to protect neighbors, oversight to safeguard our beautiful views, and clear rules that keep Montrose County’s character intact. It was built through collaboration to preserve what makes Montrose special. After months of work with businesses, solar companies, farmers, and other local voices, this code supports agrivoltaics — solar projects that also protect our agricultural heritage. It lets our farms keep producing while giving farmers new ways to earn income and stay resilient in tough times. Solar brings big tax dollars and local benefits to Montrose County. Projects like the one in Delta County are bringing in millions —$ 13 million in tax revenue over 15 years — and we can do the same here. That means more funding for services, more jobs for local workers, and cheaper, homegrown energy to keep family budgets in check. Contact Tyler McDermott at tyler@westerncoloradoalliance.org to join the team, get more information, and find out how to best advocate for a responsible solar future for Montrose County. |