February 3, 2024 (Cover photo credit: Bannock County)
Downey–A group of concerned citizens is holding an open house TODAY, February 3, to share information about a large-scale solar farm that has been proposed for construction in the Downey area. The meeting will take place at the Downey Public Library, located at 18 N Main Street in Downey, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In a video posted to his Facebook page on January 23, Bannock County Commissioner Jeff Hough assured the public that the Planning and Development Council does not have any pending applications for such a development. However, area residents report that representatives of Balanced Rock Power (also known as Harmon Solar Project) have contacted them over the past several months in an effort to obtain solar leases. As many as 2400 acres are believed to be under contract already.
Bannock County’s Planning and Development Council has placed a moratorium on all large-scale solar projects, pending the adoption of a zoning ordinance governing such projects. That moratorium expires in April.
During the Bannock County Board of Commissioner’s Work Session held on Thursday, January 25, the Commissioners were able to review the current draft of the proposed zoning ordinance (available here, beginning on page 20) and discuss it with Bannock County Planning Assistant Director Tristan Bourquin. Commissioner John Crowder expressed his concerns that the public has not been adequately involved in drafting the ordinance, and urged his fellow commissioners to hold a town hall meeting to address this specific topic. “We need to do a better job informing the community of what’s going on,” he said.
Crowder also questioned whether these types of solar projects, which are essentially a use of land for the generation of electricity, are suitable for agricultural land. He suggested that a case could be made to restrict them to areas zoned for industrial use.
Finally, Crowder urged the Board of Commissioners to pass an ordinance before the expiration of the moratorium, stating that any proposed land use not expressly permitted by existing ordinances is prohibited. This would allow the county time to adequately study any new types of projects that might arise, permitting them to make the best decision for Bannock County’s long-term growth and well-being.
For more information about today’s community meeting, click on the flyer below:
