In rural communities, fears amplified by ‘AI slop’ and social media hamper solar boom

Opposition in Iberia Parish centered on fears that utility-scale solar projects would poison the soil or leach chemicals into bayous, concerns experts suggest are imagined. After a heated debate, the local council passed an ordinance requiring such projects to be set back at least half a mile from residential property lines. This action appears to have halted the project, potentially eliminating millions in expected tax revenue for the rural parish.