Delaware County Commissioners plan to extend solar energy project moratorium

The Delaware County Commissioners are planning to extend a moratorium on solar energy projects in the county.  As IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann, the current pause was set to expire in March.

Last September, commissioners passed a moratorium on solar energy projects in the county through March 1, 2025.

Then-commissioner James King spoke in frustration about solar companies contacting citizens with plans before elected officials.  Though the head of the county’s plan commission said current requirements in a solar zoning ordinance passed in December of 2023 create that situation.

Read More: Delaware County approves solar zoning ordinance after nearly two years

Now newly elected commissioner Stephen Brand says the moratorium should stay in place so more regulations could be added into that zoning ordinance.

“You know, things like battery energy storage systems need considered in our ordinance, as one example.”

The introduced moratorium doesn’t include a calendar end date.  Commissioners President Shannon Henry reads from the proposal.

“Said moratorium shall remain in effect until such time as the zoning ordinance is amended and adopted by the Board of Commissioners, or until such time as the moratorium is repealed by the act of the commissioners in the event that zoning ordinance regarding solar energy is not amended.”

The moratorium also states it doesn’t stop discussions or meetings about any new projects, just official applications to get the project approved by the county.

Read More: Report: Indiana has a lot of land for solar energy projects

During about an hour of public comments, both supporters and opponents of solar energy spoke.

Charles Lancaster bought his Delaware County farm in 1969.  He says he enrolled his land into a solar energy project because it’s an opportunity to “stabilize and supplement” his income.  He also supports the tax revenue the county will get.

Victoria Gasaway says her family was approached nearly 20 years ago by a solar project, and she says she’s glad they said no back then.  She spoke about companies that went bankrupt mid-installation, soil erosion concerns, and worries about health concerns from solar panels.

The new moratorium was introduced this week.  It’s scheduled for a final vote in a February 18 meeting.

Delaware County also has a moratorium on considering tax abatements for any solar energy projects, put in place by the county council.

Stephanie Wiechmann is our Managing Editor and “All Things Considered” Host.  Contact her at [email protected].