Commissioners vote not to change solar ordinance

POSEY COUNTY, Ky. (WEHT) — Residents of Posey County state their stance on solar farms one last time at a county commissioners meeting.

Landowners and energy companies attended a final public hearing to ask for a rewording of sections dealing with solar energy. Currently the Clause States Solar Farms must be at least 500 feet from an individual’s property line. Supporters of solar want the distance decreased to 300 feet the industry standard.

Companies like engie disagree with the current wording saying that if it is not changed it could cause issues in the future.

“I think the way that the ordinance is currently drafted and being sent back to the Area Planning Commission without modifications to the solar portion, is an impediment to investment and economic development in the county,” Ryan Economy said. “It will essentially make many parcels, most of these parcels throughout the county in the rural areas, unusable and prevent development.”

During the meeting each commissioner stated their reasoning for not wanting to modify the solar portion of the ordinance. The main reason being the current wording is a compromise between those who want solar and those who don’t.

Some argue these restrictions can turn solar energy companies away from the area but the commissioners believe solar opportunities will not slow down.

“I personally believe that the changes will not prevent solar from coming into the county,” Greg Newman said. “And that’s my own personal belief. We just tried to find a balance between those that would be affected, that didn’t want to participate in the project, and those landowners that did.”

Energy representatives say that although the language in the ordinance is limiting, they will find other ways to bring solar and alternative energy sources to the area. The ordinance is up for a final vote at the Area Plan Commission meeting on Thursday in Posey County.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).