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Delaware County debate continues over solar moratorium as public speakers urge clearing process or keeping pause
Summary
Commissioners heard an extended public debate over the county—s moratorium on utility-scale solar projects and on whether to revert to the previously adopted solar ordinance or further amend rules. Commenters, developers and a local physician gave competing views on air quality, farmers— rights and procedural fairness.
Delaware County commissioners on Tuesday heard more than a dozen public comments about the county—s moratorium on utility-scale solar development, with residents and experts urging opposing outcomes: some asked the board to end the pause and allow projects under the current ordinance, while others urged stricter limits or to keep the moratorium in place.
The discussion came after commissioners in an earlier meeting placed a temporary moratorium on solar permitting to allow time for review. Commissioner Brand said the county had received competing sets of recommended changes to the solar ordinance and that staff would need to compare the current ordinance with two sets of outside recommendations before the planning commission could act.
Why it matters: The moratorium affects whether developers can submit and obtain permits now. Speakers said the decision touches local land use, farmers— incomes, public health and whether the county—s ordinance process is being followed.
Speakers at Tuesday—s meeting urged different approaches. Dr. Jonathan Munro, a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist, told commissioners that transitioning from fossil-fuel electricity to renewables would reduce air pollution—s health toll, saying fine-particulate and ozone emissions contribute substantially to heart disease and premature deaths. He asked commissioners to "let renewable energy go ahead in Delaware County" to provide cleaner air for residents.
Several residents and renewable-energy advocates asked commissioners to lift the pause and allow projects under the county—s existing ordinance, noting economic benefits. Jackson Franklin, who identified himself as a local resident and farmer, said solar leases can offer stable, diversified income for farm families and that utility-scale projects can supply regional grid markets. Multiple speakers argued that the county—s existing ordinance was the result of a lengthy, public process and should be allowed to operate.
Opponents said a recently circulated 17-page draft of far-reaching changes to the ordinance was produced by an unofficial group and would be overly restrictive. Cheryl Swengly said the 17-page draft added more than 50 new provisions and a five-page battery-storage section that, she said, would make large projects effectively impossible. Linda Hansen of the League of Women Voters (whose prepared statement was read at the meeting) urged clarity: she said moratoria should state their purpose, what must be resolved and how long they will last.
The administration said the next step would be to compare the existing ordinance and two sets of suggested amendments (one from a citizen group and one from a company) and then to have the planning commission consider any formal amendment. Commissioner Brand said he would work with staff to produce a redline comparison for the planning commission to review.
Ending: Commissioners did not take immediate action to lift or extend the moratorium at Tuesday—s meeting. They signaled that a staff-led comparison of the three documents will precede any planning commission hearing or ordinance change.
