At the recent Keith County Board of Commissioners meeting, solar energy took the spotlight as Jack Cook Coyle, a consultant from Premier Energy, passionately advocated for the integration of solar development in the county's future plans. Coyle praised the planning commission's handling of the Lakeview project, emphasizing the importance of compatibility with surrounding land uses, particularly in agricultural areas.

Coyle highlighted that the Lakeview project, located near Highway 26—a key tourist route—met the necessary criteria for compatibility. He argued that solar installations could be beneficial for Keith County, suggesting that the county should consider promoting solar energy as part of its development strategy. However, a motion to approve the Lakeview project was not seconded, leading to a recommendation against it, which passed with a 6 to 1 vote. This decision was met with relief from the planning commissioners.

Coyle also raised concerns about the decommissioning of renewable energy projects, indicating that this issue requires further discussion, particularly when more members of the commission are present. The conversation around solar energy in Keith County is just beginning, with implications for future development and environmental sustainability at the forefront.