Ban on new solar, wind projects considered

A decision on whether to ban solar and wind projects in much of Hancock County will be made at 2:30 p.m. April 19 by the Hancock County Board of Commissioners. The commissioners will consider banning new solar- and wind-powered electric generation farms anywhere in Hancock County outside of Findlay, the villages or Biglick Township. The commissioners will vote on the measure in their meeting room at 514 S. Main St. The prospect of new solar and wind projects has sparked fierce opposition among many county residents. Fifteen of Hancock County's townships have passed resolutions asking the commissioners to completely ban all such projects under a law passed last year by the Ohio Legislature. Only Biglick and Blanchard townships have not made such a request yet. But Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development Director Tim Mayle has warned that widespread bans could hinder economic and job growth in the area. In a vote Tuesday to set the April 19 date for their decision, the commissioners were split 2-1. Commissioner Timothy Bechtol, who has expressed concerns about widespread bans, was the dissenter in voting against setting a vote for April 19. Bechtol said that under a new law, the commissioners could consider wind and solar farm proposals on a case-by-case basis. A ban, or exclusion zone, could have unintended, displeasing consequences for the very wind and solar opponents pushing for it, he said. A decision by the commissioners to exclude solar or wind farms from an area could be overruled in a voter referendum led by solar and wind advocates, Bechtol said. "The possibility for a referendum only happens when we put an exclusion zone in place," Bechtol told solar and wind opponents in a recent meeting. "If we act on these projects as they come in and deny them on a project-by-project basis, that's not subject to referendum. So just keep that in mind, that what you're asking for, you may not get the final result that you want in the end." If the commissioners considered each wind and solar proposal on its own merits, they still could protect residents' interests, he said. The commissioners have on file the resolutions of townships opposed to wind and solar farms. As new solar and wind projects are proposed, the commissioners can confront developers about the respective township's opposition. "We can pull that township's resolution out of the pile and say (to the developer), 'This township doesn't want you in. You have to resolve this before we can go forward,'" Bechtol said. Wilin: 419-427-8413