Arizona Watcher
A proposed solar development covering roughly 5,554 acres near Robles Junction was revealed after conservation groups shared maps, prompting scrutiny across the Three Points community.
Farmers and neighbors convened meetings to review the plan. Douglas Lowell of the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance circulated the developer’s map and organized community discussions.
Residents expressed ecological concerns, saying industrial-scale solar arrays could eliminate desert habitat and harm mule deer, javelina, jackrabbits and subterranean organisms, with skepticism about land restoration.
Longtime residents warned changing land use from agricultural to industrial could alter zoning and raise property tax assessments, potentially affecting local landowners’ finances.
Some community members supported the proposal as part of a transition away from fossil fuels, arguing rising fuel costs and climate concerns necessitate renewable energy tradeoffs.
Pima County District 3 Supervisor Jennifer Allen attended a meeting and said the solar company had not filed any formal county applications; she noted any future proposal would face a detailed public review process.
The parcel is state trust land managed by the Arizona State Land Department. The proposal reportedly involves up to 500 MW with battery storage; the developer did not respond to requests for details.
Residents and farmers in the Three Points area have organized meetings and raised concerns after a developer proposed a solar installation spanning more than 5,500 acres near Robles Junction. Local leaders say the land is state trust property and no formal county application…