Valley Farms Energy Center

Spoke on behalf of Sheet Metal Workers Local 359 in support of the Valley Farms Energy Center, highlighting good-paying jobs and reliable energy infrastructure.

Spoke in favor of the Valley Farms project, emphasizing economic benefits and growing regional energy needs.

Spoke on behalf of the Arizona Technology Council in support of the Valley Farms project, noting that energy equals economic development.

Expressed strong support for energy storage projects, emphasizing the urgent need for grid stability and resilience amid county growth.

Representing the Wーツ family, explained that farming on the parcel is economically unsustainable due to water cutbacks and advocated for transitioning the land to energy uses.

Spoke as a landowner family member, detailing a century of farming history in Coolidge and explaining that this project provides a necessary retirement liquidity event while being a good neighbor.

Strongly opposed the battery storage project, citing past negative experiences with NextEra, fire risks, and negative impacts on local agriculture and rural life.

Representing SRP, spoke in support of the project, explaining how the power grid functions and noting SRP's power agreements with local utilities like ED2 to benefit Pinal County.

Speaking as the Senior Planner for the City of Coolidge, stated that the city opposes the project because it does not comply with the city's general plan land use designations.

Speaking alongside her father Jim Wallace (adjacent landowner), strongly opposed the project due to fire hazards, toxic smoke, and threats to well water safety.

Expressed support for the project, noting that he handles vegetation management for NextEra and finds them to be a well-organized, safety-conscious local company.

Expressed serious concern regarding potential toxic smoke and groundwater contamination from lithium-ion battery fires, referencing recent incidents in California.

Expressed concern as a local farmer regarding the impact of potential fire smoke and fumes on neighboring agricultural crops, such as corn and hay.