Commission asks counsel to draft a targeted ban on new wind and large solar in four townships

A motion directing county counsel to prepare a resolution banning any further wind and large-scale solar developments in four named townships passed after commissioners debated legal defensibility and geographic fairness.

A commissioner moved to ask counsel to draft a targeted ban covering the townships discussed in the meeting; supporters argued the measure was appropriate where previous large projects had concentrated, while others cautioned that selective township bans risked legal challenges for being arbitrary unless supported by objective standards such as population density or demonstrable harms.

The commission’s direction was approved on a recorded voice vote described by participants as 4–1 in favor. Commissioners who supported the motion said the county has already seen large wind developments and wants to prevent further similar projects in the identified rural townships; opponents urged careful definitions and counsel review to reduce litigation risk.

County counsel and staff were asked to prepare draft language, including clear definitions of "wind" and "large scale solar," and to return with a map and legal analysis on how to limit exposure to arbitrary‑and‑capricious claims. The draft will be reviewed at a subsequent meeting before any formal adoption vote.