Courtesy of nebraskansforsolar.orgLINCOLN–(KFOR Jan. 14)–Several residents in southwest Lancaster County showed up to a public hearing at Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, mainly in opposition to a proposed solar farm near Hallam, from Florida-based NextEra Energy. Matt Slauson lives in the area and recalled the wildfires in the area from just over two years ago. He told commissioners despite promises from NextEra that their equipment is safe, it will always fail somehow, which could lead to potential fires. “There are no significant wind breaks between this project and all the surrounding communities,” Slauson said. Kimberly Robinson lives in the area and was among many of those testifying in opposition. “How dare (the County Board) enact regulations that allow for blatant templates to be presented, like emergency plans, economic studies that demonstrate clear financial losses for our county, property value assessments of solar installation that are fractions of the size of this project,” Robinson said. There were some supporters of the project that testified during the public hearing. “This project will create renewable energy that is affordable and reliable without producing pollution or greenhouse gases,” Gene Hanlon of the Coalition for Environmental Improvement said. “Let’s build it here.” The proposed Panama Energy solar farm would be bounded by SW 29th Street to Highway 77, from West Princeton Road to West Gage Road. The plan was recommended by the Planning Commission in December. County Board members next Tuesday will vote whether or not to approve the project. If approved, NextEra said they would plan to break ground in July of 2025, and begin operations by December, 2026.