CHARLES TOWN – The Jefferson County Commission voted 3-1 Tuesday morning to send the proposed text amendment on solar power plants to the county planning commission for further consideration.
The vote was initially the last in a year-long saga in which the commission saw an amendment to the solar text in the fall of 2020. However, in December of that year, the commission decided to release him – only in April 2021 he re-admitted him. option for reduced failure with buffer.
The text amendment, which was submitted to the commission on Tuesday, touches on the Jefferson County Envision 2035 Complex Plan and how it relates to potential solar energy facilities. The vote came after months of legal battles that shut down any decision the commission could make on the future of solar power facilities in the entire county.
If the planning commission decides that the amendment is in line with the district’s comprehensive plan, it will send the amendment back to the district commission for final approval. If the county commission allows it, it will give the green light to farmers in the county who want to work with solar companies.
Commissioner Clare Ath, who asked for comment on Tuesday morning, said she was happy to see the amendment move forward.
“It’s been a long process and I’m happy to see that we’ve made some progress today,” he said. “This proposed amendment to the comprehensive plan will allow farmers to continue owning their land while investing in the expansion of renewable energy. By renting with solar companies, many of our farmers in the county can earn the income they need to keep their families alive for another generation or more, rather than having to develop or sell their land to others. “
Commissioners Clare Ath, Jane Tabb and Tricia Jackson voted in favor of sending the amendment to the planning commission on Tuesday. The only opposition leader was Caleb Hudson, chairman of the commission. Commissioner Steve Stolifer declined to comment.