Leaders at Taylor University and Indiana Wesleyan University sent a letter to county commissioners recently pushing back on the solar ordinance draft recently passed by the Area Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
The letter, signed by Taylor president D. Michael Lindsay and IWU president David Wright, states that both universities have been developing major solar energy projects meant to offset their own energy use and generate positive financial and environment impact for themselves and the county at large.
In the letter, both claimed that the current ordinance draft would make these projects “virtually impossible” as the solar ordinance draft currently being considered would be the most restrictive in the state.
The presidents identified the proposed size restrictions, large setbacks and high costs of fees and insurance of the ordinance as severely limiting factors and “areas of major concern.”
They said they had exhibited concern for their neighbors by inviting them to meetings where they can see plans and respond accordingly.
They go on to say that the intentions behind their projects are separate from that of overtures made by big solar companies who simply wish to sell energy to a wider market, and that future businesses wishing to relocate to Grant County should be considered differently as well.
“We are convinced this proposed ordinance would not be in the best economic interests of our major employers, residents and the community,” the letters says. “We urge you to reconsider the current format of the ordinance.”
“As a result of the aforementioned, we would request that Grant County consider aligning an ordinance more closely with the recently passed Senate Bill 411, which was designed to establish thorough and reasonable standards for siting wind and solar across the State of lndiana on a volunteer basis,” the letter says. “This approach would position Grant County as a place that’s open for business instead of alienating possible investors and innovative entrepreneurs from choosing Grant County as the place for their investments.”
The letter concludes by saying, “We believe that an adjusted ordinance, taking into account local businesses or organizations that locate in Grant County, will result in an ordinance that all Grant County citizens can adopt with conviction and confidence.”
The county commissioners are expected to vote on the current draft before them in July.
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