Pulaski County residents demand stricter solar setback regulations during public hearing

The Pulaski County Board of Commissioners convened on June 2, 2025, to address several pressing issues, primarily focusing on solar energy projects and their implications for local residents. The meeting began with a review of various solar projects in the county, including the Mammoth Dorel project, which spans 9,722 acres, and the Moss Creek Next Era project at 1,708 acres. The Mayapple BP project was noted to cover 2,328 acres, bringing the total to 13,758 acres under consideration. Additionally, the Bottlebrush and Invergy projects are pending completion of their PACER studies to finalize their applications, covering 1,300 acres.

The discussion then shifted to agricultural land use in Pulaski County, where it was reported that 245,345 acres are designated for agriculture out of a total of 278,101 acres. This translates to approximately 5.4% of the agricultural land being potentially permitted for solar development, although not all of it would be utilized for solar due to necessary setbacks and other regulations.

Public comments were invited, leading to a series of concerns from residents regarding the proximity of solar components to their properties. One resident, Bonnie Ehrlich, questioned the definition of solar components and their eligibility for tax abatements, emphasizing the need for clarity on setback regulations. The discussion highlighted discrepancies in setback distances, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of a standardized approach.

Another resident, Casey Lowry, voiced concerns about the visibility of solar components from her home, arguing that the current regulations do not adequately protect residential areas from industrial-like developments. Lowry stressed the importance of maintaining a minimum setback of 50 feet from property lines to ensure safety and preserve the rural character of the community.

The meeting concluded with a palpable sense of dissatisfaction among residents, who felt their concerns were not being adequately addressed by the county officials. The commissioners were urged to reconsider the implications of solar projects on local communities and to establish more stringent regulations to protect residents' interests. The board's next steps remain to be seen as they continue to navigate the balance between renewable energy development and community welfare.