Community fears expansion of solar farms will alter landscapes in Nevada

In Nevada, the Federal Bureau of Land Management approved seven large solar projects that collectively will cover an area approximately the size of Las Vegas. This initiative falls under former President Joe Biden's Western solar plan, which aimed to develop solar energy on 31 million acres of public land across 11 Western states. Local residents, particularly third-generation farmer Mark Hartman, are worried that the solar farms will significantly alter wildlife habitats and landscapes in the area, permanently changing the natural environment they cherish. Hartman highlighted that although the solar farms are seen as a way to generate renewable energy and create job opportunities—over 40,000 jobs have been reported with factories opening in 43 states—there are fears that the scale of the proposed projects is too large. The projects, known collectively as Esmeralda 7, are designed to generate enough electricity for roughly 1.6 million homes, a number exceeding the total homes in Los Angeles. Local residents and officials are keen on preserving their rural landscape and the way of life they have known. As the county has historically leaned toward supporting Trump, many residents are now looking to him to intervene. Although Trump has previously expressed support for solar energy, he has also voiced concerns regarding the extensive land use required for solar farms. County Commissioner Mary Jane Zakas remarked that locals believe Trump might adopt a more cautious approach towards solar energy production, ensuring that future developments do not overwhelm their community. Meanwhile, in Britain, the implications of solar farm developments are also raising alarms among local populations. A proposed 259-acre solar farm alongside the ancient Harroway road has drawn comparisons to a