No clear path ahead for large-scale wind, solar projects
FREE NEWSLETTERS
Wildcat Wind Farm in Tipton County. (IBJ photo/Eric Learned)
Much-debated legislation to boost wind and solar farms in Indiana was thwarted during this legislative session, but a key state lawmaker said Thursday he hopes to revive the issue next year to help meet the growing need for renewable energy.
“We’ll bring back something,” vowed Rep. Ed Soliday, the bill’s author, as this year’s regular legislative session came to a close. “I don’t know whether it will look like this (bill) or what it will be.”
RICHMOND, Ind. Indiana s counties won a fight with the state s legislature this week, but that fight might continue in the future.
House Bill 1381, which would have set statewide default standards for wind and solar projects, was pulled from consideration, even after undergoing significant restructuring. Wayne County s commissioners had passed a resolution opposing the bill, and they were happy it failed. When it was all said and done, I was pleased, said Ken Paust, president of the commissioners, after Wednesday s commissioners meeting. I m sure it will come up again next year, and depending how they frame the bill, we ll be right back at it again.
Thursday, March 11, 2021 4:00 AM The Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) and Indiana Association of County Commissioners (IACC) are opposed to House Bill 1381, preempting local control for the siting of wind and commercial solar projects. Nearly 60 Indiana Counties have passed resolutions or written letters in opposition of HB 1381.
“We are opposed to HB 1381 because it removes a county’s ability to negotiate on behalf of the community,” said Ken Paust, Wayne County Commissioner and AIC President. “Citizens who live and work in these communities are the best ones to make the decision and will have their county’s best interest in mind. House Bill 1381 negates the ability to develop long term, compatible land uses crafted through local public meetings.”
Nearly 60 Indiana counties â including DeKalb and LaGrange â reportedly have passed resolutions or written letters in opposition to House Bill 1381.
The bill effectively would remove local control of commercial wind and solar energy projects. It would establish state standards for setback, height and other specifications and prohibit local governments from setting stricter standards.
House Bill 1381 passed in the House of Representatives by a 58-38 vote. All three local House members opposed it, including Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn; Rep. Denny Zent, R-Angola; and Rep. David Abbott, R-Rome City.
The bill now is being considered in the Indiana Senate, where local Sens. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange, and Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, have pledged to oppose it.