Moratorium placed on turbines

COLFAX — The Whitman County Commissioners met, Wednesday, Jan. 8, placing a moratorium on wind turbines in the county.

Whitman County Prosecutor and Civil Counsel Denis Tracy said the commissioners met yesterday at 1 p.m.. for an executive session to discuss the moratorium.

At approximately 2 p.m., commissioners reconvened for a public meeting to consider the moratorium and approved to move forward with putting a hold on all potential wind turbine developments until county zoning code is re-examined.

The ordinance states the county will adopt the moratorium on the establishment, location, operation, licensing, or maintenance of commercial wind energy facilities. (Ordinance No. 088670)

The ordinance adopts a temporary moratorium regarding Commercial Wind Energy Generating Facilities in order to provide time for the county to consider necessary zoning regulations and amendments as they specifically relate to wind energy facilities.

The ordinance states a moratorium is enacted by local governments to preserve the status quo so new plans and regulations will not be rendered moot by intervening development. (RCW 36.70.795).

Tracy stated the commissioners must hold a public hearing where they invite the public in and allow members of the public or developers to comment on the moratorium within 60 days.

The moratorium will remain in effect until July 7, 2025, unless extended according to RCW 36.70.795 or earlier termination by the board of county commissioners.

A formal date for the public hearing has not been set at this time.

“The moratorium is supposed to be one of the first tools to then ask the planning commission to review whatever the problem areas are and try to address them,” Tracy said, noting they have to address them before the moratorium is lifted.