Cochise supervisors approve down‑zone for proposed Wilcox solar project amid emergency‑response concerns
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Summary
The board voted 2–1 to down‑zone roughly 900 acres for a proposed utility‑scale solar project near Wilcox, setting the site to RU‑4; supervisors and residents pressed for work sessions on fire response, decommissioning bonds and environmental testing before a future special‑use permit proceeds.
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors voted Jan. 6 to adopt a zoning ordinance that down‑zones about 900 acres near Patty Road and Wilcox from R36 to RU‑4 to accommodate a potential utility‑scale solar project. The motion carried 2–1 after Supervisor Gomez said she could not support the measure without more work on emergency management and decommissioning protections.
Adapture Renewables, represented by Kishan Coleman, is the applicant for docket RZ‑25‑15. Coleman told the board the company intends to partner with county stakeholders, complete environmental and visual studies and pursue local interconnection with APCO. "We're here to be partners with the community," Coleman said, adding the firm plans to conduct biological, cultural and wetland field work as part of any later special‑use application.
The most contested questions at the hearing concerned public safety, long‑term site remediation and local benefits. "I do have real concerns about solar farms," Supervisor Gomez said. She asked whether the county can handle a large‑scale battery or panel fire and whether soils and groundwater testing and remediation bonds are adequate. Residents speaking during public comment were similarly split; landowner Catherine Klump said the family supports the project because the land "has been in the family for at least 70 years" and is marginal for ranching, while others raised worries about water, fire suppression and whether power from the project would primarily serve markets outside Cochise County.
Planning staff told the board the request is consistent with the county comprehensive plan and that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval on Dec. 10. The zoning change itself does not authorize construction; a separate special‑use permit and technical reviews would be required. Staff also noted existing county regs contain decommissioning provisions and that bond amounts are updated periodically.
Board members agreed to schedule a work session with Planning & Zoning to develop policy on utility‑scale projects, including decommissioning bonds, emergency‑management plans and mitigation measures. The board closed the public hearing before taking the final vote; Supervisor Gomez voted "no," and the chair and the other supervisor voted "aye." The special‑use application and technical studies will be considered later by Planning & Zoning, and any appeal would bring the application back to the Board of Supervisors.
