Grant County board approves one‑year interim moratorium on new wind projects while ordinance is updated

Grant County commissioners voted to initiate a one‑year interim moratorium on new wind‑energy projects and directed county staff to begin drafting an interim ordinance and public notice schedule. The board’s staff planner, Reid, who participated remotely, told commissioners that the county’s current ordinance "meets all state requirements" but is outdated and that the county has a priority plan to combine public‑utilities, wind, solar and tower rules into a consolidated energy ordinance by 2028. "I agree with the folks in the room that something needs to be done with the wind ordinance," Reid said, while noting that several moving parts — including upcoming state statute changes and public‑waters inventories — affect the timing.

Commissioners debated whether a moratorium is the best tool to guard against an interim project filing, whether targeted interim setbacks might address immediate risks, and how the statutory extension process (initial 12 months, potential 18‑month extension with justification) could be used. One commissioner urged broader public engagement and a meeting with pro and con stakeholders. Ultimately a motion to start the interim moratorium process for 12 months was made, seconded and approved by roll call; the board instructed staff to prepare the interim ordinance, required notices and to convene planning advisory input ahead of a final public hearing. The motion passed; the recorded roll call showed unanimous support and the chair declared the motion carried.