York County is currently considering what most folks would probably consider to be unreasonable "setback" distance requirements for solar energy development in the county.

A recent poll found that nearly 90% of York County residents believe landowners have the right to allow solar projects on their land, while more than 60% are comfortable with solar development. But the proposed solar setback distance in York County is 2,640 feet (1/2 mile), which is not fair, or based on health risks. For comparison, the only federal setback requirement for a hazardous gas pipeline is 50 feet.

A fair compromise that would enable solar development and protect landowners' rights while respecting the concerns of the community is a 660-foot setback — about twice the size of a football field, from non-participating neighbors with homes, and a 150-foot setback from non-participating properties without dwellings, like corn fields.

Clean energy development like solar can bring millions of dollars annually to the community for roads, schools, first responders, and OPPD which wants to expand its clean energy on the grid has pledged to transfer the project to a private developer, to ensure the project further directly benefits York County.