Jul. 23—Cass County has been redefining its rules on solar and wind power fields since June, and an energy company has been talking to landowners around Walton about leasing land for a potential 1,400 to 1,600 acre solar energy center.
The last vote for the changes in the county's alternative power ordinances happened at this week's Cass County Commissioners meeting.
The energy company, NextEra Energy of Florida, plans to have an open house meeting in Walton about the project from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28.
The meeting will be in the Walton Town Hall, 106 S. Depot St.
The reason for the changes to the county's ordinances wind energy conversion system standards and solar energy system standards is to protect home rule, according to Cass County Planning Executive Director Arin Shaver.
"We're just being proactive," Shaver said.
In April, the Indiana legislature considered (but eventually didn't pass) House Bill 1381.
That bill originally would have negated local laws concerning wind and solar energy operations in favor of a statewide standards, including where wind and solar fields could be placed.
The final version that was killed gave county governments more control and grandfathered in their existing regulations and restrictions, giving pre-existing local rules priority.
Shaver said although Cass County passed its wind and solar ordinances, it can still adapt them as necessary.
"Zoning ordinances can always change," she said.
The Cass County Plan Commission passed the changes to the local ordinance at its June 1 meeting but had to consider a change in July 6.
At the June 21 County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners voted in favor of the changes to the wind power ordinance but also voted to send the solar power ordinance back to the plan commission.
Commissioner Mike Stajduhar (R, District 1) asked that the plan commission add that solar collectors cannot be more than 22.5 feet from the ground to the highest point.
As of Monday, all changes to both ordinances have been passed.
The changes primarily are about safety and nearness to roads and neighbors.
Shaver said that with the changes, Cass will be ready for any possible project coming.
When asked July 1 about any proposed solar or wind projects for Cass County, Shaver said, "I don't have anything in my office."
However, NextEra Energy has been active in south Cass County since spring.
The company based in Juno Beach, Florida, has been contacting farmers and land owners in the Walton area to discuss land leases for a solar energy center.