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Osage County adopts resolution and statement supporting conditional development of conventional energy projects
Summary
The Osage County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 10 approved Resolution 2026-02 and a companion statement saying the county is open to responsible conventional energy development — including thermal plants and ‘‘next-generation’’ nuclear — but said the actions do not approve any specific projects and existing prohibitions on renewables remain in effect.
The Osage County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 10 to adopt a resolution and a separate statement signaling conditional support for conventional energy projects, saying any proposal must follow county zoning, permitting and public-notice requirements.
The resolution (2026-02) and the statement, both approved by voice votes, emphasize that the board ‘‘supports the responsible development of conventional energy production within Osage County’’ provided projects protect infrastructure such as roads and bridges, respect neighboring land uses and property rights, preserve agricultural productivity ‘‘to the extent practicable,’’ and comply with existing zoning and moratoria. The documents explicitly state they do not approve any specific project or waive regulatory requirements.
Staff reviewed the draft language for the resolution, telling the board that the measure is intended to clarify public expectations and provide predictable standards for developers while protecting local interests. "This resolution does not approve any specific conventional energy project nor does it waive any regulatory requirement," staff said during the reading of the text.
During discussion, commissioners pressed staff to confirm the difference between signaling support and granting approvals. A commissioner noted the resolution’s purpose is to make clear that some forms of energy development are not covered by existing moratoria and to ensure the public will have opportunities for review and comment during any project-specific permitting process.
The board also approved a companion ‘‘energy production statement’’ intended for economic-development outreach that reiterates the county’s openness to conventional thermal power plants and next-generation nuclear facilities while restating that county prohibitions on renewable-energy projects remain in effect. One commissioner voiced explicit opposition to the statement during debate; the motion to adopt carried by voice vote.
What happens next: staff and the planning commission were authorized to review comprehensive-plan policies and land-use regulations related to conventional energy and to recommend updates or standards as needed. Any future project proposals will proceed through the county’s established planning, zoning and permitting processes with public hearings required prior to planning-commission or commission action.
