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Renewable‑energy siting emerged as flashpoint as counties and agencies debate limits on farmland
Summary
County planners and conservation groups described growing conflict over large renewable projects on farmland, while property‑owner and industry‑concerned witnesses urged expedited siting. Witnesses asked the legislature to reconcile energy goals with farmland protections and to use impact tests and coordination to reduce conflict.
Renewable‑energy siting — particularly large solar projects — was a recurring concern at the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire’s May 27 informational meeting on farmland protection.
Kelly Housley Glover, Wasco County’s community development director, said Eastern Oregon is seeing an increased number of commercial renewable projects and rising citizen fatigue with projects on agricultural ground. "We are definitely seeing a disparate more portioned amount of, commercial renewable energy popping up across Eastern Oregon," she said, and she urged stronger state‑agency…
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