Two weeks after a new ordinance to regulate construction of utility wind energy systems in Floyd County was approved by the Board of Supervisors, they’re now turning their attention to an ordinance covering battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Supervisors approved the new wind ordinance on a 2-1 vote on January 6th, with Supervisors Frank Rottinghaus and Board Chair Gloria Carr voting YES and Supervisor Boyd Campbell voting NO. Passing the measure brought an end to the ordinance-updating process that started in November 2023.
At that time a moratorium on wind permits and applications was enacted, which also applied to BESS applications and permits. However, during the process of hammering out the wind ordinance, BESS were never addressed. Thus, Supervisors agreed that a separate ordinance should be developed.
During their regular board meeting Tuesday (01.20), Campbell said the County needs to move on a BESS ordinance, sooner rather than later.
Carr noted a BESS ordinance isn’t the only ordinance the County might need to address.
On a unanimous 3-0 vote, Supervisors set a new BESS moratorium end date for August 4th.
