WEST BEND — The Washington County Land Use & Planning Committee approved an advisory resolution related to the regulation of solar and wind projects during its meeting Thursday.
The purpose of the advisory resolution is to request that the Wisconsin Legislature establish policies to give local elected bodies greater control in the regulation of large solar and wind projects so that they have a say in preserving farmland. The advisory resolution was created by Supervisor Marietta Bailey.
“This resolution is straightforward, it asserts that local government should have the authority to oversee the development of large solar and wind energy projects in Washington County and around Wisconsin,” said Bailey. “It urges our state Legislature to amend state statutes to grant us this control, ensuring that decisions (about) land use reflect our communities’ priorities and needs.”
Bailey said she is leading this effort to have greater control over the regulation of solar and wind projects at the local level because she is “concerned about the unchecked expansion of solar and wind energy projects in our local communities and around the state,” and to help preserve rural areas for future generations.
At the state level, electric facilities — whether they be solar, wind, gas or coal — that generate 100 megawatts or more need a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Public Service Commission, but do not need any approval from local municipalities. Senate Bill 3/Assembly Bill 493, which had a public hearing in March but failed to pass the Senate as Senate Joint Resolution 1, would have required all solar and wind projects producing 15 megawatts or more to get approval from each municipality where the project is located, but not for gas or coal projects.
Additionally, the bill would have capped solar projects at 1,750 megawatts, prevented cost shifting and protected ratepayers.
“Proposals like this are exactly what we need to ensure responsible development,” said Bailey.
There was a public hearing in the Town of Trenton on Monday night for a conditional use permit for a solar project. According to the town, Dennis Schloemer petitioned the town to be able to build a 5-megawatt solar facility on approximately 25.18 acres of his own 40-acre parcel of land, which would require a conditional use permit to do, due to how the land is zoned.
Results from the Trenton Plan Commission meeting following the Monday night public hearing will be in the Wednesday edition of the Daily News.
“Solar and wind energy projects are often proposed on agricultural and forestry lands. Improper construction and poor site management can lead to soil compaction, erosion and habitat disruption,” said Bailey. “This resolution is not opposing clean energy production, but it must be done safely and with respect for the land resources and people around it.
“With thoughtful planing and proper oversight, renewable energy projects can happen without sacrificing valuable farmland or natural resources. Clear guidelines and safeguards must be established for these projects.”
Bailey added that the state Legislature needs to give local governing bodies a greater voice in the placement of renewable energy projects.
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“I really appreciate this resolution coming forward,” said Supervisor Denis Kelling. “We often hear about large solar and wind projects coming to a local area, and there is going to be a lot of questions that go with that.
“Wisconsin is the Dairy State for a reason. Wisconsin agricultural economic impact has grown to $116 billion, over $4 billion comes from Washington County alone, and helps to put food on the table for people all over the state and the world. Our farmland should be protected by the elected officials in this state.”
He added that when solar and wind projects are done, members of the public often complain about feeling “cut out” of the decision- making process and “there is not enough information given.”
“This additional local control would also give the local representatives of a community an important opportunity to provide feedback to these developers,” said Kelling.
Supervisor Brian Krebs said that more information was needed, as there should already be local control through municipal zoning codes.
“I don’t know what state statutes override local zoning codes to start with, so I would look for more information on what changes the state is going to (make) that you are looking for that would enable the locals to have greater control over it,” said Krebs. “Right now, if I read the resolution … it says to ‘advocate for established policies that would give local bodies greater control in the regulation of large wind and solar projects.’ I’d like to know more about what is handcuffing the local municipalities now, or what areas do they need to have changed to enable them. Right now, I’m under the impression that with local zoning control, it’s up to them to amend their local zoning rules and regulations appropriately to either regulate or outright ban whatever they want to see done with their communities.”
According to Kelling, the key is ensuring that municipalities give approval for a project before it goes to the Public Service Commission for approval, and that local zoning laws aren’t enough to stop a solar or wind project.
“I think that is actually covered under the PSC,” said Kelling.
According to County Board Chairman Jeff Schleif and Supervisor Carroll Merry, there may be federal laws that overrule municipal ones in regard to wind and solar project developments, which is a reason to give more control to local government bodies, but they do not have that information at this time.
Krebs added that he would vote yes on the advisory resolution at the committee stage, but would need more information as to what issue it is actually addressing and what the problems are before he could give it a yes vote when the County Board meets on July 8. He added that personal property rights also need to be thought about and protected.
The committee voted unanimously to approve the advisory resolution. It will now head to the Washington County Board at 6 p.m. on July 8. The next meeting of the Washington County Land Use & Planning Committee will be held in the Herbert J. Tennies Government Center on July 16 at 4:30 p.m.
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