Torrington, WY April 29th, 2024 — The Goshen County Planning Commission and Goshen County Commissioners held a public meeting last week to hear comments on the proposed Solar Energy Siting Regulations. Over 40 members of the public attended the meeting at the courthouse to offer their opinions on the regulations that have been proposed by the Planning Commission.
Views from both sides were presented by members of the public. Supporters of the proposed regulations commended the planning commission for their work on a very detailed and restrictive set of regulations. The supporters expressed their desire to implement regulations that protect Goshen County residents and hold potential renewable energy companies accountable for any future projects in the county.
Opponents essentially called the regulations burdensome. Opposing members of the public pointed towards Goshen County’s future, saying that more open-ended regulations would make it more appealing for future renewable energy projects in the county, thereby increasing the opportunity for more tax revenue and economic development.
After comments were heard from the public, Goshen County Commissioner Michael McNamee offered his thoughts.
“I think those that would argue that we’re trying to slam the door on future projects that are coming in, or that we don’t want to do something that would generate income for Goshen County…I don’t want that to be my legacy as a commissioner,” said McNamee. “I think that everybody probably wants to be looked at as progressive and I would think that, in doing so, we have to be very cautious and careful with how we proceed with that. It’s been a very interesting process and there is strong passion on both ends of it. I think the main thing that I would like everybody to understand…We understand that renewable energy is probably going to be a part of our future. In some fashion, it’s already a huge part of what most of you do on a daily basis, especially if you’re a farmer or rancher.”
“The input that you’ve given us has been priceless. I know that with the different things that we all have going on, I haven’t taken the time to respond to all of the emails that I’ve received, but trust me, I’ve read them. We’re trying to study it just like you guys are. We’re trying to gather more information.”
“I think the main thing to remember from what we’re going through right now is: Goshen County is open for business, but we’re looking for some good partners to do it with. We want to make sure that we as Commissioners, with the advice and information that we have been given from the planning commission, go forward with some regulations that will allow us to vet those businesses and make sure that we bring good ones in.”
The planning commission voted unanimously to send the proposed regulations to the Commissioners for a vote. The Commissioners will offer a 14-day public comment period, and will vote on the proposed Solar Energy Siting Regulations on May 21st at the regular Goshen County Commissioners meeting.
