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Pacificorp presents Claussen 1 solar plan; commission schedules public hearing and tables CUP
Summary
Pacificorp representatives presented a conditional use permit application for the Claussen 1 solar and battery project; commissioners tabled the item and directed staff to notify adjoining landowners and hold a public hearing.
Pacificorp representatives presented a conditional use permit (CUP) application for the Claussen 1 solar project on Sept. 2, and the Emery County Commission voted to schedule a public hearing and table the application pending notification of adjoining landowners.
Why it matters: The proposed solar project covers roughly 1,200 acres and would connect to the grid near the Emery substation. Commissioners and staff said adjoining landowner notification and clear conditions are necessary before issuing a final CUP.
What the presentation said: Spencer Martin of Martin and Nicholson Environmental Consultants and Jeffrey Wagner of Pacificorp summarized the site and transmission alternatives. Martin said the project lies roughly four miles south of Clawson on the west side of Highway 10; Pacificorp described two transmission‑route alternatives that would either cross property owned by the Hunter power plant (requiring easements) or largely remain on Pacificorp land with a short crossing of Bureau of Land Management land for which an amendment to an existing right‑of‑way might be needed.
Commission response and next steps: Commissioners noted the planning commission had voted to forward the application after discussion but treated the application as requiring a higher‑level review given its scale. One commissioner asked whether adjacent landowners had been contacted; staff recommended a public hearing to gather conditions and concerns. The commission’s motion to table the item and schedule a public hearing passed unanimously.
Background: Planning staff and the planning commission reviewed the application on Aug. 13 and approved it at that level before referring it to the county commission for further review. Commissioners emphasized that conditional‑use decisions often require specific permit conditions and community input before final action.
What comes next: County staff will notify adjacent landowners and set a public hearing to collect testimony and consider conditions for a CUP.
