Union County Revises Energy Project Ordinances Amidst Ongoing Delays

Union County is revising its ordinances for energy projects, including solar installations and data centers, to address operational standstills. Separate regulations are proposed for wind, solar, data centers, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), with a formal application process to be established for all utility projects.

The revisions will stipulate that any project scope additions exceeding 10% be treated as new projects. Decommissioning requirements for solar will align with those for wind turbines, incorporating a bond for decommissioning.

Public comments on the proposed ordinances will be accepted during weekly meetings. The county has also received $34,000 in opioid funds, aiming to support a school-based program for at-risk youth, although full funding for annual programs may not be achievable.