TOPEKA (KSNT) – Shawnee County Commissioners are moving one step closer to shaping the future of wind and solar energy within the county.
Thursday’s county commission meeting had two public hearings focusing on the potential of a solar energy moratorium and a wind energy ban.
Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the solar moratorium. That gives the planning department one year for extensive research into regulations, looking into the viability for solar farms in Shawnee County.
The commission agreed with the planning department’s findings on a wind ban 2-1. The department’s research focused mainly on a lack of practical space for wind energy farms, and a need to protect air space and hazard zones.
“The ultimate message is that we are doing what’s in the best interest of Shawnee County,” Planning Department Director Joni Thadani said. “We’re looking at all of the different conditions, the standards of the county and how wind and solar can apply here in Shawnee County, not elsewhere. This isn’t about whether wind or solar are appropriate in general, it’s just the conditions here within the county. We just want people to understand that we did the thorough research, and made the decision that was best for us.”
The June 13 vote from the commissioners is only relevant for unincorporated Shawnee County.
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