Dear Santa Fe County Commissioners,

As healthcare and safety professionals dedicated to the wellbeing of our community, we understand the critical importance of safety, public health, and environmental protection. That's why we, the undersigned, strongly support the Rancho Viejo Solar Project in Santa Fe County, acknowledging it will be a clean, safe, and reliable energy solution that will benefit our community in numerous ways.

The Rancho Viejo Solar Project will provide clean energy without the harmful pollutants that contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Solar energy is a combustion-free solution, meaning no toxic emissions are released into the air. This is vital to improving public health, particularly for vulnerable populations we treat like  children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. 

Both solar farms and energy storage systems are designed with public safety as a top priority. Solar panels are made from non-flammable materials like glass, silicon, and metal, ensuring they can withstand extreme conditions and reduce fire risk. The energy storage systems associated with the Rancho Viejo project use proven technology found in everyday consumer products, like electric vehicles, and meet the highest safety standards. These systems are equipped with fire suppression and cooling features to operate safely even under challenging conditions. Our  local emergency responders have also been consulted and will continue to be engaged to ensure that we are prepared and trained to manage any potential safety issues, no matter how rare. We are always learning new methods to keep our community safe, it is standard protocol for us to do so, and learning the safety precautions for solar and battery storage is no different. 

A more reliable power grid helps ensure that our hospitals, emergency responders, and all critical services can continue to function smoothly, even during times of crisis.
In conclusion, we strongly believe that the Rancho Viejo Solar Project will contribute to a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for Santa Fe County. By supporting this project, we are investing in the well-being of our community and protecting the health of our residents for generations to come. We urge local leaders to approve this project and help bring clean, safe, and reliable energy to our community.