Bob Wackernagel is a third-generation farmer in Michigan who, at age 60, is the youngest farmer in his area. Several years ago, he decided to lease about 100 acres—approximately one-eighth of his property—for solar development on land that had consistently produced poor crops. He explained, “I use the ground that returns me the least investment back on my crops … I’ve replanted two or three times a season on that land, because of poor soil quality.” Bob’s motivation is straightforward and practical: managing rising costs and ensuring he can “still pay my property taxes … and without a crop to pay it, you can’t do it.”

Despite working collaboratively with developers to reduce visual and community impacts, Bob encountered skepticism from neighbors and township officials. “The people all think we want to just be sellouts. We want to get rich. They act like it’s their land … They don’t have to pay the property taxes; they don’t have to farm it. … They can't get over the fact that their view is going to be taken away when it's not even theirs.”

Bob emphasized the deep-rooted respect farmers like him show to neighbors; however, it does not always seem like that respect is reciprocal: “We try not to spread manure when the wind’s going in their direction … We don’t let spray drift over into their yard. It’s ridiculous because we respect their property … I just can’t believe you guys [neighbors] are turning on us like this. We’ve known everybody in this community our whole lives.”

Bob supports processes that allow landowners to more freely lease their land—in line with Michigan’s new legislation—noting the clarity and consistency it provides: “I personally do [want my land permitted] because for me and the amount that I’m doing, I just have absolutely no problem with it.” He sees energy as an adaptive crop, vital for future survival: “You gotta look at it as a crop, too … Times change, and we have to change or we won’t be here. I won’t be here on this land.”

2. Dwight Ely—Farmer & Processor, Pennsylvania

Dwight Ely is a seventh-generation farmer in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where his family has lived and farmed since the early 1800s. In addition to raising livestock, Dwight operates a USDA-inspected slaughterhouse and meat processing business—facilities that carry high energy costs. To cut expenses, he installed a solar array several years ago. The system now powers most of the farm and business and occasionally sends surplus electricity back to the grid.

“Sure, it helped this generation for sure … big savings… absolutely, it helped to continue the generational thing for sure,” he said. “We pay that thing off, and it’s been nothing but awesome … It’s just been a gift that keeps giving.”

When a few neighbors expressed concerns about the visual impact of the project, Dwight addressed them directly—planting trees, adding fencing, and ensuring the installation fit with the rural landscape.

But when Dwight later sought to expand his solar capacity, his plans were blocked by local zoning restrictions. He voiced frustration that despite strong federal and state support for energy development, local officials still had the power to shut down projects. “When the federal government’s trying to have a program to help encourage people to do something, the state is having a program… what in the world does a township have to stick their toe in the door while you’re trying to close it?”

Though he has a long-standing, positive relationship with his township—“By the grace of God, I have a good relationship with the township now… we’ve been helping our township since we were here”—he warned that others may not be as fortunate. 

“Some little guy sitting up at a little office at the township building says… he wants to make it hard. That’s the ridiculous part.”

For Dwight, solar isn’t political; it’s a practical investment in his farm’s future and a tool to preserve his land for the next generation.

3. Herm Cvetan—Farmer, Pennsylvania

Herm Cvetan is a third-generation farmer in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, where his family has worked the same land since 1947. When a solar developer approached him and about 18 to 20 of his neighbors with a proposal to lease their land, Herm saw it as a practical opportunity—one that could help offset rising costs and secure the future of the farm for his children. The additional income would have been a lifeline. 

As he put it, “That’ll help keep buildings up and … taxes and stuff.” For many in the area, the project promised new revenue streams without disrupting their agricultural operations. But despite broad local support among landowners, the project was ultimately blocked when township officials passed a ban on solar development—overriding the wishes of property owners like Herm and cutting off a valuable chance to keep farmland productive and in the family.

Herm described how misinformation shaped opposition, stating, “They thought they were going to see solar panels … from that corner down over the hill way over there … And there was not even any ground lease over there.” This ban put Herm and others in a difficult position, facing an uncertain future, and the projects were ultimately blocked. “If we’d have got that in here, that’s the difference of staying here, [and my family is] not trying to leave.” 

Ultimately, Herm stressed his belief in landowner rights and the importance of legality: “We got hosed in this deal. I still feel … as long as it’s my ground, I’ll do what I do with it, as long as it’s legal.”

4. Jacob Wible—Local Official, Blair Township, Pennsylvania

Jacob Wible, chair of the board of auditors in Blair Township, Pennsylvania, was inspired to engage in local government after his own challenges navigating zoning to build a shed close to his neighbor’s property. He observed the inconsistency in rules across towns: “It’s so hard to do something with your own land … but you go 10 minutes down the road, and you can build a skyscraper and nobody bats an eye.”

When discussing solar development, Jacob was unequivocal about property rights: “If a farmer decides he wants to strike a contract with a solar developer for 50 years and have his farm be a solar field—great. That’s a private contract, and the government really shouldn’t have a whole lot of say in how that works.” He also recognized solar’s broader value. 

Jacob noted solar projects’ economic benefits, saying, “You’re potentially lowering people’s rates, which I think does enormous assistance to people’s pocketbooks,” and “If it raises the property tax value, then you’re raising more money for the community … The more power that we can make in the United States is better for everybody. It’s more energy independence.” As a leader, he stresses the importance of updated, clear zoning rules: “If you own it, it’s your property. You should pretty much be able to do just about anything you want to do with it—as long as you’re not harming your neighbors.”

5. John Zilich—Township Supervisor, Robinson Township, Pennsylvania

John Zilich, a township supervisor in Robinson Township, Pennsylvania, installed 36 solar panels on his previous home, dramatically lowering his electric bill from about $400 a month to zero. He affirms, “We’re using more energy now than we ever have. It has to come from somewhere. Why not give solar a chance?”

This firsthand experience with solar’s financial benefits informs his approach as an official. He is currently revising zoning ordinances to allow solar “in industrial zones by right and in other zones by conditional use.”

While John supports local control over land use, he insists on clear, consistent standards so residents can pursue solar projects with confidence: “We do need to have consistent standards that allow people to move forward.” He’s encountered some community skepticism, especially from residents resistant to change, but believes municipalities should make the process workable for those who want to participate. 

“I want my residents to be able to say, ‘Hey, I want to do this’ ... and do it right,” he said. Looking ahead, John encourages other local leaders to stay open to alternative energy options and modernize their ordinances to give landowners a fair path forward. 

6. Doug McLinko—County Commissioner, Bradford County, Pennsylvania

Doug McLinko, a longtime county commissioner in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, has overseen the development of more than 1,000 gas wells, hundreds of miles of pipeline, wind farms, and now large-scale solar. A staunch defender of rural landowners, Doug sees leasing for energy development as a vital economic opportunity that must be protected: “Private property rights are the fiber that holds this country together.”

While he personally doesn’t care for solar or wind, Doug fully supports his neighbors’ right to host these projects: “If my neighbor puts [a solar farm] on, I’m not going to be protesting it. That’s his property.” He criticizes zoning regulations that are used to block energy projects outright, warning: “Zoning can be used as a weapon to keep stuff out.”

Doug also highlights the need for better public education and transparency from developers. He’s seen firsthand how confusion, not actual opposition, often fuels resistance. “The problem is there is information ... people don’t know anything about it,” he said. Despite those challenges, Doug remains optimistic about the role energy leasing can play in rural economic development—so long as it respects landowners, public safety, and the right to choose: “There are so many families that are struggling right now ... if they got an opportunity to make money on their property, God bless them.”

7. Howard Linnabary—Township Supervisor, Leoni Township, Michigan

Howard Linnabary brings decades of experience in energy infrastructure to his role as township supervisor in Leoni Township, Michigan. After years of overseeing gas, wind, and solar projects across the country as part of his work at a utility company, he now helps guide responsible development in his own community.

“I’m all for it, if it’s presented the right way,” Howard said. “If you’re truthful, if you’re thorough, I’ll help you get it done.” He emphasized the importance of showing communities what a project will actually look like—through site plans, maps, and drawings—early in the process. “You can’t expect people to support something if they don’t understand it.”

In his view, local pushback often stems not from ideology but from confusion. To provide a clear path forward for both residents and developers, Howard helped Leoni Township pass a solar ordinance well before projects arrived. The ordinance sets clear guidelines for siting residential and large-scale solar projects—including setbacks, screening, and decommissioning requirements. Howard says the ordinance makes it easier to responsibly develop solar by providing a predictable process that respects landowner rights and addresses community concerns up front.

At the heart of his approach is respect for landowner rights and local transparency: “You meet our requirements, you’ve got a right to do what’s best for your land.”

Freedom to Lease: A Property Rights and Energy Permitting Issue

Rural landowners want the same things as most Americans: the freedom to make decisions about their own property, the ability to support their families, and the opportunity to pass on their way of life to future generations. For many, leasing land for energy infrastructure helps make that possible—offering reliable income that sustains family farms, strengthens local economies, and keeps multi-generational farms in the family.

But outdated zoning rules, misinformation, and political interference are blocking landowners from using their property for legal, productive purposes, even when projects meet all required safety and environmental standards. At its core, this is a property rights issue.

By creating clear, transparent siting and permitting processes and honoring local input, state and local leaders can ensure rural communities are treated fairly and have a say in decisions that impact their land and livelihoods, while contributing to American energy prosperity and independence. With the right policies and approaches, energy development can support energy security, preserve family-owned and operated land, and drive long-term rural economic growth.  If you agree, sign and share our petition supporting people’s right to use their land for clean energy.

About the Authors 

Evergreen Action and the Private Property Rights Institute come to the issue of energy development and generation with different institutional priorities but a shared commitment to energy independence, individual freedoms, and strong local economies.