Wind power banned in Shawnee County, solar energy after one-year moratorium

(AP Photo/Frank Molter) (AP Photo/Frank Molter)

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Shawnee County commissioners are one step closer to shaping the future of wind and solar energy in the county.

During Thursday’s county commission meeting, two public hearings were held on the potential for a solar moratorium and wind ban.

Commissioners voted unanimously for a moratorium on solar energy. This gives the planning department a year to conduct extensive regulatory research examining the viability of solar farms in Shawnee County.

The commission agreed with the planning department’s wind ban findings 2-1. The Department’s research focused mainly on the lack of practical space for wind farms and the need to protect airspace and danger zones.

“The bottom line is that we do what is in the best interest of Shawnee County,” Planning Department Director Joni Thadani said. “We are looking at the different conditions, standards across the county, and the feasibility of applying wind and solar energy here in Shawnee County rather than elsewhere. It’s not about whether the wind or sun is even right, it’s about the conditions in the county. We just want people to understand that we did thorough research and made the best decision for us.

The commissioners’ June 13 vote applies only to unincorporated Shawnee County.

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