Rural communities across the U.S. push back against large-scale solar projects in their backyards.

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** THE WEEKLY REVEAL
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Saturday, June 1, 2024

Hello! In this issue:
* Rural communities across the U.S. are pushing back against large-scale solar projects, sparking a debate on renewable energy and local impact.
* We dive into the latest version of a very American problem: minority rule.


** THIS WEEK’S PODCAST
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** Sunblocked: Resistance to Solar in Farm Country
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Bill Newcomb stands at the edge of the site for a proposed large-scale solar project, Shepherd’s Run, near his home in Copake, N.Y. Credit: Jonathan Jones/Reveal

Bill and Nancy Rasweiler thought they were making a smart decision when they decided to lease their land to Shepherd’s Run, a large-scale solar project that promised a steady income and offered them a way to contribute to renewable energy efforts. But when they presented their plan to the town of Copake, New York, they were met with widespread backlash.

“We never expected this kind of resistance,” Nancy Rasweiler recalled. “We thought it would be a win-win for everyone.”

Instead, the Rasweilers found themselves at the center of a heated debate over the area’s future. Residents in Copake are deeply divided: While some see it as a necessary step toward renewable energy, others fear it will harm the environment and disrupt their rural community. It’s been seven years, and the project’s future is still uncertain.

This week on Reveal, in an episode that first ran in January, investigative reporter Jonathan Jones travels to Copake to explore the resistance to Shepherd’s Run, how the divide is affecting the town and what this fight means for renewable energy projects across the country.
Listen to the episode ([link removed])
🎧 Other places to listen: Apple Podcasts ([link removed]) , Spotify ([link removed]) or wherever you get your podcasts.



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** A Quote to Remember
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“I hopped on social media, quite a millennial, and just made a Facebook post that said, like, ‘Hey, I think we should end gerrymandering in Michigan. If you want to help, let me know. Smiley face.’ ”

Katie Fahey is a grassroots activist in Michigan who launched a successful ballot initiative that completely changed the way legislative districts were drawn. The impact of the new voting maps was stunning: fair representation in the state House, state Senate and Congress.

Listen: All Votes Are Not Created Equal ([link removed])


** In Case You Missed It
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🎧 The Racist Hoax That Changed Boston ([link removed])

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🎧 Lessons From a Mass Shooter’s Mother ([link removed])
This issue of The Weekly Reveal was written by Kate Howard and edited by Nikki Frick. If you enjoyed this issue, forward it to a friend ([link removed]) . Have some thoughts? Drop us a line (mailto:[email protected]) with feedback or ideas!

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