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Commission tables energy-farming ordinance, seeks case-by-case review and more study
Summary
After an extended discussion about data centers, solar and other energy installations, the plan commission voted to table a proposed energy-farming ordinance and asked that applicants come before the commission so members and staff can gather technical information and consider zoning distinctions on a case-by-case basis.
The Scott County Area Plan Commission voted June 10 to table a proposed ordinance on “energy farming” — a broad term covering data centers, large solar or wind installations and related projects — and to require potential applicants to appear before the commission for an initial review.
The board heard members raise technical questions about energy and water use for data centers, whether such uses should be pre-zoned as heavy industrial, and how the county would set parameters and safeguards. A commissioner warned that data centers can require substantial electricity and cooling water: “It requires an enormous amount of electricity and an enormous amount of water to keep things cool,” a speaker observed, a point that several members said merited engineering study before the commission drafted ordinance language.
Several members preferred handling requests on a case-by-case basis, allowing the commission to require initial presentations, investigate impacts, and, if needed, hire outside experts. One member suggested that rather than rushing to write a catchall ordinance that could be legally vulnerable, the board should receive applications, schedule a first reading and use a two-step approval process for controversial projects.
Motion to table the draft ordinance and consider each proposal individually passed by voice vote. Staff said the DNR and other state agencies may have relevant permitting roles, and the commission asked staff to research other counties’ approaches and possible engineering resources for a future comprehensive plan update.
What happens next: The energy-farming ordinance will remain on the advisory plan’s agenda; staff will compile additional information and the board will hear specific applications or proposals as they arrive.
