Opinion: Reno County can be an energy powerhouse

CREDIT WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

By Gina Long

The anticipated end of the solar power moratorium in Reno County in May will finally remove a significant roadblock to the area’s economic development, and it could not come at a better time.

Reno County’s agricultural economy is expected to suffer more shocks due to shifting weather patterns, an extra six weeks of above-average yearly heat, and whiplash tariff threats.

The manufacturing economy has not improved significantly. A multi-billion dollar gas plant is expected to break ground in 2027 and be completed by 2030. As is common practice, the facility will be property tax-exempt for ten years. The existing population will continue to shoulder the property tax burden.

Hostility to renewable energy, as seen in the complete ban on wind turbine farms enacted in 2021 and the slow walk for commercial solar power, has forced the tax burden onto a shrinking base. Skyrocketing home valuations have increased the tax burden despite lower mill levies.

Central Kansas is uniquely situated to supply our product to the regional power grid.

Renewable energy uses much less groundwater than traditional petroleum- and coal-based energy generation.

The transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power isn’t just an environmental necessity; it’s a powerful economic engine. These technologies generate jobs, stimulate local economies, and provide long-term financial benefits.  

One of the most immediate economic impacts is job creation. The solar and wind industries require a diverse workforce, from manufacturing and installation to maintenance and engineering. This surge in employment spans various skill levels, offering opportunities for rural areas. Furthermore, the growth of these industries fuels related sectors, such as supply chain logistics and advanced manufacturing.  

Beyond job creation, solar and wind projects inject significant capital into local economies. Land lease payments to farmers and ranchers, increased property tax revenues, and spending at local businesses all contribute to economic revitalization, particularly in rural communities.

Moreover, solar and wind power offer long-term financial stability. Unlike fossil fuels, which are subject to volatile price fluctuations, these renewable sources provide predictable energy costs. Once the initial investment is made, the operating expenses are minimal, leading to significant savings for businesses and consumers. This price stability enhances economic planning and reduces vulnerability to global energy market shifts.

Reno County can have a natural gas plant and renewable energy. Energy sources are not mutually exclusive, and diversified economies are more resilient to the business cycle.

If the county does not find a way to broaden the tax base, it will remain economically stagnant. It is time to prime the energy generation pump.