Floyd County Supervisors Eye Solar Development Moratorium

While Floyd County Supervisors wait on the third reading of the County’s ordinance regulating the construction of wind farms, they also want a closer look at the development of solar energy systems.

During their regular meeting Monday (01.13), Supervisors discussed the possibility of enacting a moratorium on commercial solar development until that ordinance can be reviewed. Supervisor Boyd Campbell said the moratorium is needed to give the County time to digest advances in solar energy, much like the County has been doing in revising its wind and battery storage ordinance.

Because the issue was only a discussion item on the agenda, the Board could take no action on a solar moratorium. Still, Boyd and Supervisor chair Dennis Keifer proposrf an indefinite moratorium, while Supervisor Gloria Carr recommended a more definitive end date which can always be extended.

Keifer said he would consult with County Attorney Todd Prichard on how the County might proceed, with possible action on a moratorium next Monday (01.20).

Currently, Supervisors have a March 17th end date on a moratorium on any new wind farm applications or permits for any future development.

Meanwhile, a Wind Energy Workshop group, which includes Campbell, continues to discuss compromises to the County’s wind ordinance, which, in its present, revised form, would essentially eliminate the future construction of new wind farms. It would also likely result in litigation against the County by Invenergy, one of two companies proposing wind farms of about 40 turbines each in western sections of the county.

While the mediation team continues their work, Supervisors have set a deadline of no later than March 3rd for the third reading of the wind and battery storage ordinance.