The Linn County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to extend its pause on new large-scale solar projects. The renewable energy review committees have final meetings this week to assess the county ordinance governing the solar projects.
Linn County supervisors will vote Wednesday on likely extending a moratorium on new large-scale solar projects as Renewable Energy Review committees study the county ordinance governing the solar projects. The moratorium does not affect the already-approved solar projects near Palo and Coggon, which remain underway.
Energy companies and landowners would be limited on where they can set up solar panel arrays under a bill advanced Monday in the Iowa Senate.
Work on a 640-acre solar farm near Coggon may soon be underway after a Linn County District Court judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit brought against the Board of Supervisors by a family who lives near the planned project.
Energy companies and landowners would be limited on where they can set up solar panel arrays under a bill advanced Monday in the Iowa Senate.
Moxie Solar closed Dec. 2 after coming under new management earlier this year.
As much as 60% of the region’s energy could come from wind and solar — which has a lower energy output than the non-renewables being retired.
Attorneys for the Linn County Board of Supervisors, Coggon Solar LLC and a family that’s suing them met in court on Thursday to argue the case before a judge.
The 11 plaintiffs argue the solar ordinance, which was approved by the supervisors in September, constitutes “spot zoning.”
All three supervisors support pause in development
Instead of 12 months as proposed, the moratorium would last three months and the supervisors would have the option of extending it by resolution. During the moratorium, approved solar projects could continue, but the county would not accept applications for new utility-scale solar projects.
The first public hearing and consideration is Monday, Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. in Cedar Rapids.
Iowa generates more than half of its electricity with wind, but clean energy advocates say the state and nation can do even more
At least two county supervisors say they plan to vote for a 12-month utility-scale solar moratorium next month.
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