Wayne Commissioners make decision on alternative energy
The Wayne County commissioners voted unanimously to regulate large-scale solar arrays in the unincorporated areas of the county. Commissioners Sue Smail, Jonathan Hofstetter and Ron Amstutz understand the impact their vote on large-scale alternative energy projects will have. They also said they have been thorough in their research.
Editor's note: This is the third in a three-part series about the road to regulate large-scale alternative energy utility enterprises in Wayne County.
“I get it,” Wayne County commissioner Jonathan Hofstetter said to an individual who stopped by to discuss the issue of utility-grade alternative energy projects. “No one wants to be told by the government what they can and cannot do with their land.
"We as commissioners are responsible for the entire county, and the prohibition that was placed on solar and wind concerns only a new commercial utility providing electricity to the regional grid. We did not regulate renewable energy that is used onsite under 50 megawatts of generation.”
Hofstetter and commissioners Sue Smail and Ron Amstutz said they understand the impact their decision will have. They also said they are confident they have been thorough in their research.
“We are thankful that the state legislature involved local communities in helping reach a decision that impacts the entire county,” Hofstetter said. “This gives everyone a voice and ensures their concerns are considered.”
The commissioners appreciate everyone’s input throughout the past few months. According to Hofstetter, those living in an area have the best insight into the local environmental, social and economic factors.
“Seeking input and engaging with community members allows us to get a feel for what the community wants, and as of now, we have not heard from any local leaders in support of utility-scale solar or wind,” Hofstetter said.
One of the issues facing the commissioners is the companies that want to come in and lease a thousand or more acres of the best land the county has to offer.
“They aren’t coming in and clearing out wooded areas to erect these projects,” Hofstetter said. “They want the prime farmland that is flat and well-drained.”
After a month of research, the Wayne County commissioners voted unanimously on July 12 to regulate large-scale wind and solar projects in accordance with House Bill 52 during a regular meeting session.
“This is not a complete ban on renewable energy; it is only regulating utility-grade projects,” Hofstetter said. “We encourage landowners who want to add solar or wind to help offset their electric needs; our prohibition will not affect them. The prohibition only affects landowners who want to lease their land to an energy company for the purpose of adding electricity to the regional electric grid, which could trickle down to the local electric grid.
“This isn’t a decision that is set in stone forever. If a company wants to come here and show us its long-term operational plan, we would be happy to discuss the project further as long as there is a high level of local buy-in. But the plan must be complete.”
The commissioners hope to stay informed about renewable energy technologies, policies and the benefits to society.
“We can address the concerns that people have and proceed in a way that benefits all stakeholders,” Hofstetter said. “I stand behind the prohibition since it will allow for local partners to have a chance to conduct research and have a voice in any new utility that has an interest in our county.”
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for the Wayne County government.