BAY MINETTE — The developers of a proposed solar facility in Stockton met with community members on Wednesday to discuss plans for the 4,500-acre site.
Dozens of demonstrators showed up with signs and lined D'Olive Street in front of the John R. Rhodes Civic Center, where the meeting was held. They wanted to show Silicon Ranch that they are passionate about protecting the area's natural resources.
Silicon Ranch CEO Reagan Farr presented information on how the company's utility infrastructure is used. He said that with power companies experiencing record growth, they need more generation to feed the power grid.
"I will say, we as a country have come to expect reliable, reasonably priced power, and we've never had to choose between economic development and reliable, affordable power," said Farr. "We are going to have to start making that decision. And we really need, as a country, to be investing in generation."
Since Silicon Ranch began, he said the company has aimed to improve soil health, promote biodiversity and enhance wildlife on properties. They call the practice of regenerative energy and agriculture "agrivoltaics."
Silicon Ranch plans include 2,500 acres of wetlands and buffers. Loran Shallenberger, the vice president of regenerative energy and agrivoltaics at Silicon Ranch, said the company owns the largest flock of sheep in the Southeast and plans to incorporate cattle in its Stockton site.
SEE ALSO: Silicon Ranch defends Stockton solar project despite grassroots effort to shut it down
The Baldwin County Commission approved a referendum to allow voters to weigh in on zoning in Planning District 3. However, Farr said he expects all applications to be submitted before that measure would impact the Stockton project.
The Alabama Legislature considered a bill that would give coastal counties more authority over solar development, but it will likely die as lawmakers run out of time this legislative session.  
Silicon Ranch took questions from concerned citizens during Wednesday's meeting.
RELATED: 'They underestimated Stockton': Hundreds show up to oppose solar farm proposal
The land is currently zoned for industrial use. Farr said his company's use of the land will be more beneficial than the plantation pine timber track it is currently on and more beneficial than most other industries. He presented ways Silicon Ranch benefits conservation, but the opposition accused the company of "greenwashing" to make money.
Silicon Ranch is already contracted with Alabama Power to deliver power by the end of 2028. Farr said he expected the $350 million investment to be successful despite many challenges.
Concerned citizens emphasized their difficulty trusting Silicon Ranch because they did not hear about the project until plans were already underway. Farr said he regrets that the project came to the public's attention after the Public Service Commission approved it and before Silicon Ranch signed a contract with Alabama Power.
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