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Stephanie Wiechmann
Last September, commissioners passed a moratorium on solar energy projects in the county through March 1st, 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 and a solar zoning ordinance passed in December of 2023 create that situation. Now, newly elected Commissioner Stephen Brand says the moratorium should stay in place so more regulations could be added into that zoning ordinance.

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Stephen Brand
I know things like battery energy storage systems and considered, you know, ordinance as one example.

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

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Shannon Henry
Said moratorium shall remain in effect until such time the zoning ordinance was amended and adopted by the Board of Commissioners, or until such time as the moratorium and held by the act and other commissioners. In the event that zoning ordinance regarding solar energy is not amended.

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Stephanie Wiechmann
The new moratorium was introduced this week. It's scheduled for a final vote in a February 18th meeting in Muncie. Stephanie Wiechmann, IPR news.