To the editor:

Climate change poses an existential threat to life as we know it. Rising temperatures impact health and financial stability for all. We must increase investments in renewable energy now. Global and national actors have their roles to play. What can we do locally to avoid the worst outcomes?

We must start with reducing our dependence on fossil fuels that create pollution and environmental degradation, disproportionately impacting poor communities.

Kansas has the potential to be a leader in solar power with more sunny days than Florida. It would take 20,000 rooftop installations to generate the power of one commercial solar project. Solar and wind projects represent the lowest cost of new electric generation.

Douglas County approved utility-scale solar regulations in 2022, and since then fossil fuel advocates have been funding misinformation campaigns that are being spread by elected officials and others.

Will you advocate for science-based regulations, application processing and rules? It’s important that we speak out so that county commissioners will support large-scale, clean energy projects. We can’t afford to delay action based on misinformation.

Commissioners are scheduled to make critical decisions about the West Gardner Solar Project during their meeting on June 21. Their meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse. If you are unable to attend in person or virtually, written comments can be submitted to publiccomment@douglascountyks.org until 24 hours prior to the meeting. Information about attending the meeting virtually and to confirm agendas can be found at douglascountyks.org.

Rick Cagan,

Lawrence