The future of solar energy in Franklin County is in question after the Franklin County Commission unanimously voted to deny a special use permit for a floating solar array north of Ottawa. Jason Edwards wanted to put the array on an old quarry lake he owns. After a lengthy discussion, in which commissioners aske Edwards numerous questions about the project, Commissioner Sabrina Meador, who directed many questions to Edwards about the environmental aspect of his project, summed up her feelings:
Several citizens spoke out against the project, as well as solar and wind energy in general. However, there were those who spoke in favor of the project, including Carl Privitera, Vice President of Mark One Electric in Kansas City.
