Hundreds gather in Nacogdoches to voice solar project concerns in town hall

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) — Over 100 residents gathered in Nacogdoches County today to voice their concerns about three proposed solar projects coming to the rural area.

The town hall drew significant attendance, especially from community members worried about the environmental development.

Nancy White, president of the Legislative Energy Action Foundation and a Van Zandt resident, addressed the crowd with warnings about the potential risks associated with solar facilities.

“We are taking away land from farmers, from beekeepers… we acknowledge this we love our land, and whenever you give it to people who don’t value it our understand it, you’re taking away from the culture and the history of it,” White said.

Environmental concerns dominated much of the discussion, with residents questioning the long-term effects of the projects on the land and soil. “Environmental aspects is you’re not only taking away the seeds your poisoning them with lead and lithium. You’re making sure they never thrive,” White said.

She also highlighted the fear of using hazardous materials.

During the presentation, White outlined various examples of solar plant facilities throughout Texas, detailing specific risks including fires, safety concerns, lithium batteries, and broader environmental impacts.

Her message to solar companies was direct and unambiguous.

“Follow the state law, make sure our people are safe or get out,” White stated.

David Walker, a representative from Parliament Energy, also attended the event to answer questions from concerned residents.

He addressed one of the major concerns raised throughout the evening, stating there would not be a battery storage plant at the site and that lithium batteries would not be an issue for this particular project.

Walker emphasized that the planning stages are still ongoing.

“The layouts you see for this project on the board are developing drawings for the idea of the land that they have. They aren’t final designs we still don’t have final designs they will be out soon,” he explained.

According to Walker, the contract Parliament Energy has will span 35 years, cover 2,200 acres, and generate around 450 megawatts of power.

Following the formal presentation, crowds of residents surrounded Walker seeking additional clarification, with many still expressing uncertainty about the project’s implications.

Despite the concerns raised, Walker indicated that Parliament Energy remains committed to community engagement.

He announced that once plans are finalized, Parliament is planning to host and sponsor another town hall where residents can ask questions and learn more about the site.

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