A recent investigation by ProPublica looked into allegations that fossil fuel interests are working to derail a proposed solar energy project in Knox County, Ohio. The investigation suggests that oil and gas companies covertly influenced local opinions by using media outlets and interest groups to spread misinformation.

The Frasier Solar development, which aims to power around 19,000 homes, has faced claims from these reportedly Big Oil-influenced sources that solar panels can depress property values, are toxic, and may be used by China for a potential invasion.

The solar project would cover the equivalent of 635 football fields of farmland with solar panels, although officials have noted that the land could be restored to agricultural use after 40 years.

ProPublica’s report details how fossil fuel interests allegedly worked to exacerbate existing concerns about solar’s impact on farming in Knox County, where agriculture dominates the economy, accounting for nearly 60% of the area’s land use.

Additionally, the Ariel Corporation, a manufacturer of gas equipment, is the area’s largest employer, and has been accused of supporting efforts to kill Frasier Solar.

ProPublica alleges that these efforts extended to local media ownership.

The only newspaper in the region, the Mount Vernon News, was acquired by Metric Media, a company linked to conservative causes and funded by a dark-money group associated with the Koch brothers, who have longstanding ties to the fossil fuel industry.

Following the purchase, the paper shifted from a daily publication to a weekly format, with some residents noting an increase in anti-solar sentiment in its coverage and attacks on local elected officials who did not denounce the renewable energy project.

Metric Media also launched the Ohio Energy Reporter, which reprinted articles from the Mount Vernon News and featured stories warning of potential negative consequences of solar power, with headlines including “Ohio’s coming ‘solar trash wave’” and “Could the Texas Power Crisis happen in Ohio?”

Beyond media influence, the investigation claims that oil and gas interests also intervened in local politics. ProPublica reports that fossil fuel-backed groups supported county commission candidates who opposed the Frasier Solar project, amplifying their platforms through a political action committee connected to pro-gas campaigns.

Additionally, a former executive of Ariel Corporation, who still has ties to the company, founded an organization that presents itself as a “grassroots” defender of the county. This group has been active in opposing the solar project, using mass texts and organizing events to rally public resistance, with funding and support from current and former employees of Ariel.

The controversy culminated in an August hearing by the Ohio Power Siting Board, which will decide whether the Frasier Solar project can proceed. During the meeting, evidence was presented by both supporters and opponents, revealing fossil fuel industry involvement in the campaign against the solar development. The board’s final decision is expected to take several months.