In a surprise announcement on Tuesday, Urban Grid withdrew their application for the 559-acre utility-scale solar development, known as Cape Solar, located just north of Luray.
Congratulations to all those who worked hard against this project on the grounds of its size and wrong location—on prime soil, in view of Shenandoah National Park, on land zoned for agriculture, on karst, its proximity to Luray, and the list goes on.
The planning commission recommended denial of the project in March after rehearing the many concerns citizens voiced over the several years the project was considered. We recognize and appreciate that Page residents sent countless letters to local officials, letters to the editor, were active on social media and attended and spoke up at local government meetings.
Thank you to all who remained vigilant through the lengthy consideration of Cape Solar and the long-awaited implementation of a strong solar ordinance that ensures the compatibility of future proposals with Page’s agriculture and tourism industry.
Perhaps now, with the protective ordinance in place, we can see more rooftop and community-scale solar projects that keep electricity local and are a better fit for Page County.
Top photo by Chris Anderson.