The St. Croix County Community Development Committee convened on June 19, 2025, to address significant community concerns regarding a proposed solar complex by ExCel Energy. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from local residents, particularly from Erin Prairie Township, who expressed their apprehensions about the potential impacts of the project.

Heather Butcher Bruner, a long-time resident, articulated her fears about the solar complex, which is planned to cover over 5,000 acres. She highlighted concerns about the effects on local water sources, wildlife, and property values, arguing that the project would irreversibly alter the landscape and community. Bruner questioned the reliability of solar energy and raised issues about the potential for financial instability of solar projects, suggesting that without government support, such initiatives would not be viable.

Laura Konard, another resident, echoed Bruner's sentiments, emphasizing the emotional toll the project could take on the community. She described her desire for a peaceful rural life, which she fears would be disrupted by the industrial nature of the solar complex. Konard urged the committee to thoroughly investigate the implications of the project and to advocate for the residents' voices in the decision-making process.

Both speakers called for the committee to consider the long-term consequences of the solar project, including environmental and social impacts, and to stand with the community in opposing developments that do not align with their values and needs. The meeting underscored a growing sentiment among residents to protect their land and way of life from what they perceive as detrimental industrialization.

As the committee continues to deliberate on the proposal, the voices of Erin Prairie residents highlight the need for careful consideration of community interests in the face of large-scale energy projects. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of the proposed solar complex and its potential effects on the local environment and community.