KENNEBEC JOURNAL • September 30, 2021
The Augusta Planning Board has unanimously approved changes meant to make large solar farms in Augusta less visible and more pleasing aesthetically. The approval came despite concerns from a state senator and real estate agent that the lack of a cap on the number or size of solar farms could result in a lack of developable land for other uses, such as housing. The proposed changes are only recommendations to the City Council, which must vote on whether to adopt them. The changes include requirements that plants and trees be added around large solar development projects to better screen them from view. The changes drew praise from officials of two major solar development firms with major projects in Maine.