The top candidates in the race for the Republican nomination to Congressional District 1 are sounding the alarm over a proposed solar farm project in north Baldwin County, and at least one candidate is pointing fingers.
The project by Silicon Ranch would develop 2,000 acres in Stockton into a solar facility to support a Meta data center near Montgomery.
Former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) announced his opposition to any "New Deal ventures."
"Alabama and Americans across the country elected President Donald Trump in part to end the Biden-era Green New Deal programs," Carl said. "That legacy should not continue in our community."
Carl said that after speaking with community members and environmental advocates, he has determined that the project should be placed on hold.
"We must ensure that major corporations do not take advantage of our citizens for their own gain," Carl added. "The people of Baldwin County deserve a clear voice in shaping their future, and I will always fight to protect their right to have a say in how our community grows and prospers."
SEE ALSO:'They underestimated Stockton': Hundreds show up to oppose solar farm proposal
Austin Sidwell, who attended a town hall in Stockton on Monday, said he opposes the project, which he believes was rushed through without the community receiving adequate information.
"Our district is full of great people, great resources and great opportunities. But our resources aren't going to get destroyed because of bureaucratic land grab opportunities, because our great people prove that they will stand up and fight," Sidwell stated. "I am humbled and proud to be a member of our district, and I will continue the fight on behalf of our community."
State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) also issued a statement, saying that common sense and the people are top priorities for him.
"The residents of Stockton deserve a voice in their community's future, and I stand with them in opposition to the proposed solar farm project being forced on them," Marques stated. "Common sense conservation has always been a top priority for me. Earlier this session, I passed a bill to end mud dumping in Mobile Bay and stood strong to protect our God-given natural resources.
"I will always listen to the people and refuse to stand by while Alabamians are run over by out-of-state corporate interests," Marques continued. "We need smart growth that strengthens our local communities, protects our state's natural resources and puts Alabamians first."
Marques said the simple solution is to hold a local referendum to give residents the final say.
However, Joshua McKee responded by calling the project a "monstrosity" and said lawmakers should put the people before special interests.
"The proposed solar 'monstrosity' in Stockton is a predatory land grab by out-of-state interests that threatens our community's heritage," McKee said in a statement. "While Rep. Rhett Marques claims to 'stand with' Stockton, he is simultaneously overseeing the committee—Transportation, Utilities, and Infrastructure—where legislation like House Bill 392 is being advanced. House Bill 392 would change the Public Service Commission from an elected body to an appointed one, effectively stripping Alabamians of their vote and handing control to special interests. Real leadership isn't about issuing a press release after the fact; it's about stopping these bills in committee before they can hurt our families."
"My career has been defined by mission-focused leadership, from the battlefields to providing disaster relief in Jamaica," McKee added. "Stockton deserves a congressman who takes action, not one who helps corporate interests while pretending to be a friend to the people. We must kill HB 392 and protect our land from being sold out by career politicians."
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