MUNCIE, Ind. - Delaware County's solar issue is likely to resurface with a new citizen initiative to use local farmland to generate electricity.
State Assemblywoman Sue Errington, D-Muncie, a proponent of solar energy, spoke with Delaware County commissioners last week about the upcoming new version of the solar zoning ordinance, which will be in effect until 2022, when commissioners will impose a moratorium on solar fields. and a solar study committee was created to work on the new regulations.
Errington said she represents the League of Women Voters of Delaware County, which has been involved in the local fight for renewable energy.
The moratorium lasts until December 31. Errington asked if the ordinance could be created and passed by December, if the moratorium could end sooner.
The commissioners answered: yes, it is possible.
The moratorium was put in place in response to strong public opposition to a large solar field planned for the Washington community that would fill a significant number of fields from Gaston to Matthews with solar panels. Invenergy was the developer of the project called Meadow Forge.
Development of the new regulation stalled after the death of Capital Planning Commission Director Martha Moody earlier this year. The consultant was hired to gather input from the solar study committee, made up of supporters and opponents of the project, which was working to draft the new rule.
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Brandi Ingermann of the Planning Commission informed commissioners that the proposed rule must be returned to the Study Committee for approval. The proposed zoning ordinance must then go to the planning commission for a decision before being sent to the commissioners for a final decision if it becomes law.
Ingerman said the planning commission could hear it in October or even November at the earliest.
Issues such as domestic disasters and protecting surrounding homes from property loss were among the issues discussed during the court hearing that led to the discussion of the new ordinance. Neighbors were very sorry that they were not informed about the development plans before some officials approved them.
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Errington said surrounding counties are benefiting from renewable energy projects, and Delaware County is at risk of being left behind.
"We are like an island here that does nothing," he said.
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The state official also said Indiana is encouraging the development of renewable energy and should begin providing funding to counties and local governments that develop it locally.
"I think there are many reasons why we want to pass a strong solar ordinance in this county, and I encourage you to do so," Errington said.
In November 2021, Delaware County commissioners approved an economic development agreement for Meadow Forge Solar Development, owned by Chicago-based global renewable energy company Invenergy. Terms of the agreement required the company to pay Delaware County up to $200,000 annually for 10 years.
Invenergy has also entered into agreements with landowners, including local farmers, to purchase agricultural land for development.
In addition to Errington's performance, the league created a Facebook page called Citizens for Sunshine in Delaware County, Indiana. Presentation of arguments for solar development.
Linda Hanson, a spokeswoman for the league, told the Star Press that the League of Women Voters had no relationship with or received any financial support from solar developers.
Opponents of solar development in the city of Washington demonstrated at a commissioners meeting earlier this month.
"It wouldn't break my heart if you decided to end the whole thing now and just say that this county is not going to accept that prospect," said Tim Nick, a resident of the township.
"Our position on the solar moratorium was taken after a comprehensive study. The results were presented to the league membership and the membership voted to adopt this position," he said.
This article originally appeared in the Muncie Star Press: League of Women Voters for Solar Energy by written order.
