Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solar Moratorium topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council extends 12-month moratorium on commercial solar farms unanimously
Summary
Livingston Parish Council adopted ordinance 25-4 to extend an existing moratorium (LP ordinance 24-11) on commercial solar farms for 12 months to allow further study and ordinance drafting; the measure passed unanimously after brief public comment in favor from Representative Shane Mack.
The Livingston Parish Council unanimously adopted LP ordinance 25-4 on March 27, extending by 12 months an existing moratorium on the consideration, submittal and approval of commercial solar panel farms in the parish. The extension continues a moratorium first adopted May 23, 2024 as LP ordinance 24-11 while the parish completes studies and drafts implementing ordinances.
Councilwoman Sandifer introduced the proposed ordinance, which she described as a pause to allow completion of pending studies and preparation of new rules. The resolution text references the prior moratorium (LP ordinance 24-11) and would bar new commercial solar farm applications until the extension expires or until the parish adopts implementing regulations.
Representative Shane Mack spoke during the public comment period in support of the moratorium. Mack, who formerly served on the parish council and said he serves on the state House natural resources committee, told the council he expects state legislation affecting local authority over solar development and said a local pause would give the parish time to align local rules with any forthcoming state law. “I showed up tonight, in support of the 12 month moratorium on the solar farms,” Mack said.
The council opened and closed the public hearing without additional public speakers, then voted to adopt the ordinance; the motion was moved by Councilwoman Sandifer and seconded by Councilman Ryan Shavers. The vote was unanimous.
Why it matters: The extension halts new commercial solar-farm approvals while the parish studies potential impacts and prepares implementing ordinances. Proponents framed the measure as a temporary measure to let the parish and the state finish legislative and regulatory work.
What happens next: The moratorium remains in effect for 12 months; the parish staff and council committees will continue studies and draft regulations that could govern future commercial solar development in Livingston Parish.
