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Planning commission recommends temporary moratorium on community solar and wind siting while county reviews ordinances
Summary
The Morrison County Planning Commission unanimously recommended imposing a temporary moratorium on community solar, solar farms and wind energy conversion systems so the County Board can review renewable energy policy and permitting; public commenters raised opposition and conspiracy concerns but staff said the moratorium allows a policy review.
The Morrison County Planning Commission on April 28 voted unanimously to recommend that the County Board impose a temporary moratorium on permitting community solar, solar farms and wind energy conversion systems while staff and commissioners review ordinance language and county policy.
County staff member Amy Kowalzek presented proposed ordinance language intended to pause permitting for utility‑scale renewables so the County Board can consider renewables permitting comprehensively. The motion was made by Commissioner Marvin Trettel (seconded, per the record, by Brent Lindgren) and the vote was all in favor.
Public comment included objections and broader skepticism about renewable‑energy project motives. Lyndon Griffin told commissioners that "Morrison County is not a good place for wind farms" and questioned the need for towers; Aaron Ethan raised concerns about money flowing to foreign interests and alleged developers use nondisclosure agreements and resale to other entities. Kowalzek responded that the moratorium motion was limited to pausing new permits and that the County Board would decide whether and how renewables might be allowed after a policy review.
Commissioners closed the public hearing at 7:44 p.m., approved minutes from April 14, 2026, and adjourned at 7:45 p.m. The planning commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Morrison County Board for action.
