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A rural county banned renewables. It’s having second thoughts
Commissioners are weighing a reversal after residents and landowners raised economic and property-rights concerns.
- This fall, Bannock County commissioners are set to vote on a new ordinance that would allow solar, wind, and nuclear energy development, reversing the 2024 ban on large-scale renewable projects.
- Spearheaded by Commissioner Hough, the county enacted a six-month moratorium in October 2023 to study renewable energy impacts, which the commissioners later formalized into a ban in March 2024 after vocal resident opposition.
- Farmers Dale Lish and Steve Criddle support solar development, citing economic gains; neighboring Power and Bingham counties generated $909,000 and $639,000 in tax revenue from renewable projects in 2024.
- A January survey of over 700 Bannock County residents showed 90% favorable views toward nuclear energy, encouraging officials to explore small modular reactors alongside traditional renewable options.
- With more than 87% of the county experiencing extreme drought, officials must balance these proposals against Idaho Power's projection that electricity demand will surge roughly 26% by 2030.
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution92% Center
Bias Distribution
- 92% of the sources are Center
92% Center
C 92%
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