Wagoner County Commissioners Reject Solar Farm Near Porter

Wagoner County Commissioners voted 2-1 on Monday to deny a permit for a proposed solar farm near Porter.

The decision follows weeks of public debate over a project pitched by NextEra Energy Resources.

Previous Story: Wagoner County solar farm proposed near Porter, vote on permit in June

Residents Raise Concerns Over Environment, Local Impact

The proposed 241-megawatt facility would have supplied power to the grid through a PSO substation and was projected to generate an estimated $31 million in taxes over 30 years.

Supporters, including some local landowners, said the revenue could help modernize Porter schools and attract future development.

But others voiced strong opposition, citing environmental concerns and changes to the landscape.

Representatives for Nextera said the project would have minimal impact on trees, waterways, and neighbors, but commissioners still sided with residents who questioned the project’s long-term impact on the community.

The company released a statement after the vote, saying they were committed to the project, despite Monday’s decision.

“While NextEra Energy Resources is disappointed with the decision by the Board of County Commissioners, we remain deeply committed to working with local leaders to develop the Persica Solar project in Wagoner County and bring the benefits of the project to the community, including approximately $31 million dollars in tax payments over the lifetime of the project,” waid a representative of NextEra.