Across the United States, local communities are increasingly pushing back against proposed solar and wind energy projects. 

Recently, the Knox County Board of Supervisors in Center, Nebraska, rejected a solar project, marking the 58th denial or restriction of solar energy projects in the U.S. this year alone. Similar movements are occurring nationwide, with over 735 rejections or restrictions of wind and solar energy projects since 2015, as reported by Robert Bruce on Stubstack.

These rejections, though rarely covered, reflect a growing concern among rural communities on the effect of solar energy projects on their communities. Residents are fighting to protect their landscapes, property values, and agricultural land. In Christiana, Wisconsin, residents are opposing a 300-megawatt solar project that would cover seven square miles of farmland. These projects are seen by many as a threat to the visual appeal of the countryside and an invasion of private property in addition to killing the agriculture industry there. 

Concerns about property values are central to the opposition. Studies show that proximity to solar and wind projects can significantly lower property values, as these developments often bring unwanted visual clutter and noise pollution. A 2023 study found that wind farms can lower the value of nearby homes by up to 5.6 percent. A 2020 study found that solar farms can lower the value of nearby homes by up to 7 percent. 

The construction of wind and solar farms also raises environmental concerns. Large solar installations can affect local weather patterns by altering the atmosphere, while wind farms require vast amounts of materials and lead to significant land use changes, including deforestation.