County Board reviews proposed solar energy policy to limit land development
October 22, 2024 | James City County, Virginia
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Thomas Weisson, a staff member, presented data indicating that approximately 9,462 acres of land are zoned for agricultural use, with about 6,700 acres meeting specific criteria for solar development. These criteria include being outside the primary service area and not within proximity to existing solar facilities. Notably, of the 6,700 acres, around 6,024 acres are currently forested, raising concerns about the environmental impact of clearing land for solar projects.
Board members expressed their desire to discourage the clearing of forested land for solar installations. They discussed the balance between allowing landowners to utilize their property for solar energy while preserving natural resources. The conversation highlighted the limited availability of cleared land suitable for solar development, with only about 700 acres potentially usable without deforestation.
The board considered adding a policy statement that would strongly discourage the clearing of trees for solar projects. This approach aims to protect the county's forested areas while still providing landowners with economic opportunities. The discussion also touched on existing solar projects and their compliance with the proposed policy, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation of future applications.
As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the importance of finding a balance between renewable energy development and environmental conservation, setting the stage for further discussions on the proposed solar facilities policy in future meetings.
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