Richland County commissioners approve resolution restricting large wind and solar in 11 unincorporated townships

The Richland County Board of Commissioners voted July 17 to adopt a resolution declaring portions of unincorporated Richland County restricted areas that prohibit construction of “economically significant” wind farms, large wind farms and large solar facilities in the townships that requested the prohibition. The board said it acted after township trustees in a majority of the county’s townships formally requested commissioners take that step.

Commissioner Tony Vero introduced the background for the board, saying the county asked its 18 township trustees to respond after Senate Bill 52 became state law and gave local governments authorities and options. "In February, our office had sent a letter to the 18 townships, requesting guidance from our townships on, the commissioner's ability to prohibit large wind and solar within the county," Vero said. He told trustees the county provided a sample resolution if they wished to take formal action.

The vote followed an extended public-comment period in which residents, township trustees and labor representatives spoke for and against the restrictions. Jeff Strang, who identified himself as a local resident and retired teacher, urged the board to keep options open for renewable manufacturing and jobs and said Richland County had advantages for wind and solar: "We have the manufacturing space. We have the know how, and we have an exit waiting to happen," Strang said. Others,…