For those who thought the solar farm discussion was over … think again.
In what can only be described as a one of the best-attended Putnam County Commissioners' meetings of the year, to use the phrase “packed like sardines” would probably best describe the scene Monday morning (Nov. 17) as it was standing room only as the three County Commissioners were set to discuss the topic of potentially adopting a moratorium for any future solar projects.
In the end, as was the vote when the Commissioners voted against the EnergyRe Solar Project back on Oct. 7, the vote was 2-1 in favor of the moratorium with Commissioners Andy Beck and Tom Helmer voting in favor and Commissioner President Rick Woodall voting against.
“After some of the things that we’ve dealt with this year, I just think there’s some things that need to be clearer,” Beck said. “With all the new technology out there, I think we need to talk about it more. I do believe that this will help us in the long run.
"When we do get something that’s actually concrete and set in stone, it’ll make it easier on everybody. If there’s someone out there that meets all the needs and requirements that we set up, I don’t think there will be any need for all of these great debates anymore.
“Right now as a county, I think we’re at the minimum of some of our standards. With everything that’s out there and new like data centers and SMR’s it’s just something that we’re not ready for right now. I know what Jim (County Attorney Ensley) has told me when I’ve talked with him about this and that’s why I made the original motion to have the moratorium.”
The official ordinance regarding the moratorium reads as follows: An ordinance to establish a moratorium on the approval of new small modular reactors, data centers, solar energy conservation systems and wind energy systems to expire Nov. 17, 2026 in Putnam County. Whereas Indiana Code 36-7-4 SEQ. empowers the Putnam County Area Plan Commission to the board of county commissioners of Putnam County concerning ordinances for the zoning or districting of all lands within Putnam County. Whereas in 2023, Putnam County adopted a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) effective Jan. 1, 2024. Whereas at a meeting held on Oct. 20, 2025, the Putnam County Commissioners requested that the Putnam County Plan Commission hold a public hearing for a moratorium on the approval of a new solar farm projects for the purposes of ensuring public health, safety and general welfare. Whereas at a meeting held on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 the Putnam County Area Plan Commission conducted a public hearing regarding the proposed moratorium or the purposes of ensuring public health, safety and general welfare. The Putnam County Area Plan Commission forwarded and certified a favorable recommendation. Now therefore be it ordained by the Putnam County Commissioners as follows: The Putnam County Commissioners do hereby adopt a moratorium on the approval of small modular reactors, data centers, solar energy conservation systems and wind energy conservation systems for one year until Nov. 17, 2026 within the unincorporated areas of Putnam County effective Nov. 17, 2025.
There was a cog thrown into that mix however. EnergyRe Senior Vice President, Paul Cummings, presenter of the recent denied solar project, had already proposed a second rezoning request prior to the moratorium. The request, as the original plan did, will go before the Putnam County Plan Commission on Monday, Jan. 12.
“I am here today to firmly oppose the solar moratorium,” Cummings said Monday. “Our solar project is currently under review as we reduced it to 150 megawatts (previously 200) and have also cut the proposed acreage in half (original plan was 2,000 acres). We really took a look at a lot of the concerns that were brought up and throughout the entire process we’ve met all of the standards of the ordinance and even went a little above and beyond what was asked. We’ve instituted 500-foot setbacks with most homes being 1,000 feet or beyond. There’s no homes with solar on more than two sides at this point.
“We have two months before we officially present this again and I’d love to work with anyone on how we can make this work for everyone. We want to bring money to Putnam County and this is a good way to do it.”
After Cummings spoke, several members of the audience spoke in favor of the moratorium.
“I would like to add that this moratorium doesn’t mean that we’ll use the whole year,” Beck said. “If we all get together and find a solution, I don’t think that will last the whole year. It won’t be done in a month or two but we just want to get these changes put in place.”
While the moratorium is officially in place, it remains to be seen what will be decided when the Plan Commission meets on Jan. 12 to hear the second version of Cummings' proposal. The Plan Commission will make its recommendation to the commissioners who will then vote in favor or against.
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