"Challenges and Controversies: The Battle for Renewable Energy in the US"

In Gardner, Kansas, a 93-year-old woman and her family faced opposition from neighbors over their plan to lease land for a solar farm, reflecting a nationwide trend of local opposition to renewable energy projects. Despite the urgent need for carbon-free energy, 15% of U.S. counties have banned or blocked utility-scale wind and solar projects. The Knoche family, with deep roots in the land, hoped to lease their property for a solar farm to secure its future, but faced a five-year battle due to concerns about industrial solar's impact on the rural landscape, property values, and health. The opposition highlights the challenges of siting renewable energy projects and balancing property rights with the need for clean energy.