The Washington Parish Council held a special meeting last Thursday (July 9). The standing-room-only crowd was on hand to learn about action to be taken concerning two solar farms planned for Washington Parish.
The purpose of the meeting was the adoption of a resolution placing a moratorium on the approval and/or permitting of all solar panel farms, commercial solar power plants, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and similar energy generation or storage facilities.
The parish has been a leader in the state in establishing an ordinance addressing solar farms. Earlier, at the June 15 meeting regular meeting, the Council adopted a resolution authorizing the Parish President to execute an engagement letter with Taylor Porter Brooks and Phillips LLP, for legal services related to utility scale solar project regulations. The purpose is for the organization to provide advice concerning amendments to the Utility Scale Solar Ordinance and other matters related to the regulation of utility scale solar projects in Washington Parish. Parish Attorney Matt Garver clarified that this is the firm used when the ordinance was first created and, he said, it is a good practice to have a review with suggested updates that will "make the ordinance more robust.
The crowd present at the special meeting on Thursday was somewhat panicked because the planned solar farms off Highway 21 and Wardline Road had caught many off-guard. Resident Shellie Thomas explained that she only found out about the Origis project after receiving a letter from a hunting lease adjacent to her property.
Many of those present questioned what would happen at the end of the 90-day moratorium and Council President Reginald McMasters explained that the Council could extend the moratorium if needed.
There were also comments about the proposed battery storage on the sites and it was explained that this was one of the primary reasons for the ordinance evaluation to be sure that it set forth standards and guidelines for this.
Councilwoman Kim Wagner assured the audience that “Our current ordinance is strong; however, it is four years old and needs updating as the technology related to such farms changes and advances.”
Reginald McMasters assured everyone that they need to trust the Council and the process: "It is our job to protect our people. Give us a chance."
Attorney Matt Garver added that Washington Parish is at the forefront and has set the bar for solar enterprises.
It was also established that while Entergy (the Hwy 21 project) has applied for a permit and Origis has not, no permit has yet been granted. The newly passed moratorium will halt any progress by Entergy. Any permit will be brought before the Council for approval.
After a question about transparency of communications, McMasters urged everyone present to refer to the Parish Council Facebook page as well as the Washington Parish Government Facebook and web pages. Agendas for meetings are always posted prior to meetings. Minutes are also available on the websites and in The Era-Leader, which is the official journal of the Parish Council.
When asked if the Council will meet with solar companies, it was explained that this would be in violation of Louisiana law and no one on the Council is in verbal or digital contact with the companies. The Council has also not signed any NDA's with any companies despite rumors that at least one has.
McMasters added, "We aren't a Communist parish. Quality of life is huge. Give us an opportunity to see what we can do first."
The Council then voted to approve the 90-day moratorium.
Parish President Ryan Seal thanked everyone for attending and showing the community's concern. He also said he appreciated both the decorum shown by everyone and their input.
Seal then read a letter he issued to Origis clarify communication concerning a tax abatement. Information provided by Origis about as potential taxabatement was not accurate, Seal said. Abatements are not offered and not accepted by parish government, and he insisted that Origis correct this misleading information.
Prior to closing Nick Smith Jr. briefly spoke. Smith and his father are local cattlemen and the existing solar farms on Highway 16 west of Franklinton encompassed land they once used for grazing. Before they knew it, the grassland was dotted with solar panels. He and his father have led the fight for a tough ordinance in Washington Parish, hoping that this type of situation is not repeated. He assured everyone, "I know how you feel. This council inherited this mess; but they will have us first."
Now the Council will await the findings of Taylor Porter Brooks and Phillips LLP to determine the next steps.
