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Price County asks WCA to lobby for greater county control over large-scale wind and solar projects
Summary
The Price County Board unanimously adopted Resolution No. 5-26 asking the Wisconsin Counties Association to press the state for greater county regulatory control over large-scale wind and solar projects, citing concerns about local accountability, infrastructure impacts, and property values.
The Price County Board adopted Resolution No. 5-26 requesting that the Wisconsin Counties Association lobby the state legislature and governor to expand local control for counties over large-scale wind and solar projects. The resolution, submitted by the Land Use/UW-Extension Committee, asserts that counties are best positioned to account for local geographic, environmental and demographic differences and that statewide "one size fits all" rules may not serve local interests.
The resolution contends that mandates and agency actions have shifted powers away from local governments and that returning authority to locally elected bodies would preserve accountability and reflect constituent values. It specifically asks that a copy of the resolution be forwarded to the Wisconsin Towns Association, state and local legislators who represent Price County, the governor, and all county boards in Wisconsin for consideration and action. The board adopted the resolution by roll call vote, Yes 12, No 0.
Supporters cited potential negative impacts on environmental habitats, public health, road infrastructure, and property values where large-scale renewable projects are sited, language included in the resolution text. The action was procedural and did not change county code or impose regulations; it is a formal policy request to the statewide association and legislators.
