Residents press for moratorium on solar, data centers and transmission projects as board opposes ValleyLink

At the start of the meeting Chair Christie told the board the supervisors previously adopted a resolution opposing the proposed ValleyLink Transmission Project and had appropriated $250,000 to support community engagement and professional experts for county advocacy at FERC.

Several residents who spoke during citizen comment urged the board to slow approvals for large industrial land uses until the county completes a comprehensive plan update. "There needs to be a moratorium in this county right now before all of this stuff hits us at one time," Kathy Crockett said, asking the board to halt zoning actions on solar farms, data centers and similar heavy industrial uses until public review of the comprehensive plan.

Crockett and other commenters described mapping that, they said, shows clustered proposed solar leases, possible substations and pre‑applications that could cumulatively exceed 1,100 acres in parts of the western county. Speakers called for clearer public access to application materials and for studies of water use, battery‑storage siting and other cumulative environmental effects tied to transmission and industrial projects.

Chair Christie had earlier encouraged residents to attend a May 28 community meeting at the high school auditorium where ValleyLink representatives would appear to answer questions. The board's appropriation and FERC filing were presented as steps to secure the county a formal role in federal processes and local engagement opportunities.

What happens next: The board's advocacy appropriation funds public outreach and technical review; residents asked the supervisors to consider a moratorium or other immediate policy measures until the comprehensive plan is updated.