In Knox County, Ohio, a shadowy coalition of fossil fuel interests, aided by a local newspaper, has turned residents against a proposed solar farm, sowing misinformation and division.
In short:
- A so-called “grassroots” campaign, funded by fossil fuel executives, has fueled anti-solar sentiment through misinformation and local media manipulation.
- The local Mount Vernon News has been transformed into a mouthpiece for fossil fuel interests, publishing numerous anti-solar articles.
- This campaign has contributed to the defeat of pro-solar politicians and radicalized public opinion in a region already tied to the gas industry.
Key quote:
“People are so radicalized and they’re not thinking clearly.”
— Rich Piar, third-generation farmer
Why this matters:
With the local media on board, the Knox County misinformation campaign is driving a wedge through the community, pushing out pro-solar voices and reinforcing the grip of the gas industry. It's a reminder that the energy transition isn’t just about technology; it's about power, influence, and the stories people are told. Read more: Fractured: Distrustful of frackers, abandoned by regulators.
