06/16/2026
Say NO to a “Renewable” Energy Zone in Mexico, NY!
Join us June 22 at 6:00 PM at the Mexico High School Auditorium and stand up for protecting our farmland, forests, and the future of agriculture in our community.
Sign the petition https://c.org/DMQFnRtRCR
Last year, Andy and I attended the Town of Mexico’s Farmland Protection Planning meeting. Nearly every farmer and landowner in attendance—I'd estimate around 95%-voiced opposition to large-scale solar and wind developments on agricultural land. There was broad agreement that preserving farmland should be the priority.
Despite that overwhelming public input, the proposed Mexico town & village plan for 2026 is now introducing a “renewal energy zone.” It was quietly added near the very end of the document, despite being contrary to what the vast majority of attendees expressed during the planning process.
Additionally, they are expanding the residential zone which will disallow agricultural activities in those areas.
Every time I drive our Amish neighbors to the midwife in Lowville, one of the first things you notice are the windmills stretching across the landscape. To put it simply- they're an eyesore. Many sit broken down, and some leak oil.
Every trip to Tractor Supply in Pulaski takes me past acres of productive farmland now covered in solar panels. It breaks my heart to see some of our best agricultural land taken out of production for an industrial use.
There was also a lot of discussion about the declining number of people entering farming. As a first-generation (returning) farmer, I shared that one of the biggest barriers is the cost and availability of land. Every acre converted to industrial solar is one less acre available for the next generation of farmers- whether that's 10, 20, or 50 years from now.
To be clear, this isn't about being against renewable energy. It's about where we put it.
If we're serious about expanding renewable energy, let's prioritize rooftops, parking lots, roadways, and other already-developed spaces. Let's not sacrifice productive farmland and forests that can never truly be replaced.
Our farmland feeds our families. Our forests support wildlife and clean water and air. Once they're gone, they're gone.
Please join us on June 22 at 6:00 PM and make your voice heard. Our community has already spoken once. Let's make sure our voices are heard again before decisions are made that will impact generations to come.
Link to the documenthttps://townofmexicony.gov/images/pdfs/reports/2026-DRAFT-Comprehensive-Plan.pdf
