Halstead resident urges Harvey County review of battery storage projects after city council veto

During the public‑comment period on June 24, Amy Duvier of Sedgwick asked the Harvey County Commission to consider a county planning and zoning review of battery energy storage systems (BESS) after a Halstead City Council action and subsequent mayoral veto.

Duvier said a Halstead vote to ban BESS had passed locally by what she characterized as a 4‑1 vote of commissioners but that the mayor vetoed the measure. She told commissioners the majority of Halstead residents she encountered oppose BESS and expressed concerns about possible long‑term contamination, impacts to farmland and the feasibility of topsoil remediation. “The vast majority of the people in Halsted are against it,” Duvier said.

Duvier asked whether the county could take action through planning and zoning or otherwise assist Halstead residents. Commissioners listened and thanked her for bringing the concern forward; no county action, referral or agenda item was initiated at the meeting. The commission noted public comment was received and that staff could be asked to evaluate whether county planning and zoning authority applies or whether the issue is primarily a municipal matter for the city of Halstead.