Logan County Commissioners Pause Projects to Update Local Regulations
- Media Logic Radio
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Logan County Commissioners have paused on certain large-scale energy and tech projects — including solar, wind, data centers, and battery storage — while they update local regulations.
Despite concerns from economic development leaders, Logan County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to impose a six-month moratorium on new permits for community solar gardens, wind farms, data centers, and battery storage facilities.
The commissioners say the pause will give the county time to write regulations for data centers and battery storage — which currently don’t exist — and to revise the rules for wind and solar projects.
Andrew Fritzler, chair of the Logan County Economic Development Corporation Board, urged the board to reconsider. He read a letter warning that a moratorium could jeopardize Granite Renewables’ plan to build a massive data center northwest of Sterling. He called the proposal a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity that could bring a $15 billion investment, up to a thousand construction jobs, and as many as 100 permanent, high-paying positions. Fritzler said the project would deliver lasting benefits through new property tax revenue for schools, public safety, and infrastructure.
Also speaking was Greg Brophy with the Western Way, who agreed the county should have clear regulations but encouraged commissioners to finish the process in less than six months to keep projects moving under favorable federal incentives.
Commissioners Jim Yahn, Mike Brownell, and Jim Santomaso all stressed they support economic development and want the data center to move forward — but only with proper safeguards in place. Santomaso said the planning staff have made the issue a top priority and pledged to move as quickly as possible.
During a later work session, the board heard from NextEra Energy about potential safety and design standards for future battery storage projects.
The moratorium will last no longer than 180 days, though commissioners say they hope to finish the regulatory updates sooner.
