Wagoner County commissioners deny conditional-use permit for Persica Solar project after hours of testimony

The Wagoner County Board of County Commissioners voted 2-1 on Monday to deny a conditional-use request for the Persica Solar project, a utility-scale solar development proposed near Porter, Oklahoma.

The decision capped more than three hours of public comment and a multi-meeting review that split farmers and landowners who supported leasing land to the developer from neighbors and health-concerned residents who urged denial. Commissioners James (mover) and Randy (second) voted to deny the permit; Commissioner Kelly voted no, producing a 2-1 result that stops the county-level approval at this stage.

Supporters, including several participating landowners, framed the project as an economic lifeline for small farms and local public services. “Our family farm makes up 100% of our income,” said landowner Donnie Keel, who has leased ground to NextEra. Economic development director Darla Heller told commissioners the project would increase the county tax base and was “transformational for Porter Public Schools.” Allison McCloud, who identified herself as a project representative for CRISPR Solar and Exterra Naval Resources, said the company expects about $31,000,000 in…