Pulaski County has joined in the opposition against a bill that would shift control of wind and solar farm development to the state. The county commissioners passed a resolution Monday opposing House Bill 1381. Commissioner Chuck Mellon said the resolution expresses their “support for local control of land use decisions.”
“I don’t know how much this is weighted if the legislators do pass it,” Mellon said, “but at least it’s a commitment on our part that we can show the county people that we are supporting our own method and want to, possibly, control things ourselves.”
Mellon said he’s spoken with State Representative Doug Gutwein, who voted against the bill, and has also reached out to State Senator Ed Charbonneau.
Roughly two-thirds of counties have come out against House Bill 1381. It would set statewide standards for commercial wind and solar development, while prohibiting local governments from imposing more restrictions. They could still be less strict.
Commissioner Maurice Loehmer recused himself from voting on the resolution, citing a potential conflict of interest, while commissioners Mike McClure and Chuck Mellon voted in favor.
No action was taken on the advisory plan commission’s recommended updates to the county’s solar regulations. County officials suggested waiting for the outcome of the state legislation, before presenting the updates for the commissioners’ final approval.
