The Clarke County Board of Supervisors Monday approved 2-0 a resolution for a temporary moratorium on the construction of wind turbines in the unincorporated areas of Clarke County; supervisor Austin Taylor abstained from the vote due to being unsure of the potential impact - positive or negative - to the county.
The reason for the temporary moratorium is to allow the supervisors time to ensure that all county interests are covered concerning turbines, including setbacks, zoning, potential teardown and other concerns.
Clarke County does not currently have any wind turbines, though it has been brought up for discussion in the past. In July of 2018, the supervisors approved Ordinance 32, “Assessment of Wind Energy Conversion Property,” which adopted a tax limit that can be assessed on wind turbines. A tower height was also increased at that time.
Also in 2018, it was decided to leave the decision as to whether or not to allow turbines in the county open to public decision and input, though it had seemed unlikely that any turbines would appear in Clarke County. A recent inquiry, however, has brought the discussion of turbines back to the supervisors’ table.
Several area counties around Clarke County allow for wind turbines, including Union, Adams and Adair counties.
The temporary moratorium does not have a set end-date.