Renewable energy development is all around us and more projects are on the way. The question is how are these large-scale operations benefitting, and impacting, our communities.
One clear advantage is for local ranchers. Leasing land for wind or solar projects allows ranching families to convert a portion of their acreage into a stable, predictable source of income without giving up the lifestyle they value. Ranching has always been vulnerable to drought, fluctuating markets and rising costs. Renewable energy leases provide financial resilience, helping families hold onto land that might otherwise be sold.
Renewable development also brings jobs. Construction phases create an influx of skilled labor and short-term employment, but long-term operations and maintenance positions can remain within the community. Northland Pioneer College is already looking at ways to provide programming that will allow their students to take advantage of careers in these growing industries.
Tax revenue is another significant, and sometimes overlooked, benefit. Wind and solar installations expand the local tax base, supporting schools, roads, fire districts, and emergency services without increasing the tax burden on residents. In some counties, such as Roosevelt County, N.M., and Oldham County, Texas, renewable energy projects have become among the largest taxpayers, providing steady funding in regions where budgets are often tight.
Of course, there are drawbacks. The most visible is the change to the landscape. Many people choose rural living for its wide-open, uninterrupted views and large-scale energy infrastructure undeniably alters that character. There are also legitimate concerns about wildlife habitat, ecosystem impacts and property values. For some landowners, values may rise; for others, they may decline.
What is certain is that renewable energy development will continue. When projects meet city and county ordinances and are built on private land, there’s not much that can prevent them. As a region focused on keeping our children close to home and strengthening local economies, our best strategy may be to prepare by building the skills, training programs and workforce needed to ensure that our residents benefit as much as possible from the changes ahead.
