The Pennington County Commission voted 3-2 to advance an ordinance restricting utility-scale wind and solar projects, including a ban on such developments on agricultural land.
The proposal, which must pass a second reading on July 7, shifts approval authority from the Planning Commission to county commissioners and significantly increases setback requirements for projects.
Supporters say the changes protect agricultural land and limit large-scale industrial development, while opponents, including Commissioners Ron Rossknecht and Gary Drewes, argue the rules are overly restrictive.
The vote follows months of debate and a temporary moratorium on new projects after public opposition to large developments near New Underwood.
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