The Greene County Board of Supervisors are getting closer to a new provision ordinance.

The Board held a discussion about a draft ordinance for the Utility-Scale Solar Energy Systems with NationalGrid Renewables Permitting Specialist Marta Lasch at their meeting this past Monday. NationalGrid Renewables is looking to install a 100-megawatt solar panel project, consisting of close to 1,000 acres, near Grand Junction. 

Part of the draft ordinance stipulates a limit of 1,000 acres per solar panel project, which Lasch recommended eliminating that requirement because projects would tap out at 100-megawatts.

“You’re seeing a lot of increased costs across the US for projects that are smaller than 100-megawatts. Increased construction costs and procurement costs would likely eliminate Greene County as potential candidates for future projects.”

Supervisor Chair John Muir responded with the Board’s reasoning of why they landed on allowing no more than 1,000 acres per project, with a separation of two miles from another solar panel project.

“Part of our responsibility as supervisors and by (state) code is we’re supposed to also look out for the interest of agriculture. So that’s our attempt to have that balance.”

Another main point of concern from Lasch was the setback requirements, including 1,000 feet from any dwelling and 250 feet from a property line. Instead, Lasch requested 150 feet from a dwelling and 100 feet from a property line. 

Following the discussion, the Board made it clear that it is going to continue to take input from all interested sources before approving a finalized version of the ordinance. They will also consider extending a sunset date two weeks from September 26th on a moratorium for utility-scale solar projects.