April 24, 2024 (Bannock County News Release, April 22, 2024; Photo credit: Bannock County)
Bannock County–In March, the [Bannock County] Board [of Commissioners] decided to create an ordinance banning large-scale solar and wind projects in Bannock County. A public hearing for this ordinance was held on March 26th at the courthouse, where 18 people spoke in favor of a total ban, and 28 spoke against it.
Commissioners Moser and Crowder voted in favor of the ban, while Commissioner Hough voted against it. However, the Board’s discussion about the vote left the door open to revisit the ordinance and find a middle ground.
“We put this ordinance in because we’re at a deadline, and then we can adjust (the) ordinance.” – Chairman Ernie Moser
“I don’t think we’re in a position to do anything other than put in a ban, and then you can have all the discussions you want going forward.” – Commissioner John Crowder.
“If we allow the government to deny the opportunity for individuals to explore options, where does the insidious creep of government power stop?” – Commissioner Jeff Hough.
