(St. Joseph County, IN) - A 2,500-acre solar power development may be put on hold in Saint Joseph County.

 

Hexagon Energy has been contacting homeowners just south of Potato Creek State Park near North Liberty. A public meeting two weeks ago brought out a bevy of nay-sayers.

 

On Friday two St. Joseph County Council members issued a statement supporting a slow-down on such projects. Republicans Amy Drake and Randy Figg are urging the area plan commission to adopt a solar moratorium.

 

They want to put protections into place first and gather more input from the public. The plan commission in St. Joseph County will meet on Tuesday.

 

Here is their statement in full:

 

"As the solar panel debate heats up in North Liberty -- as a direct result of the 2,500- acre solar industrial complex being considered there -- we are requesting that our area plan commission put forward a solar moratorium. Wide-scale solar installations are relatively new to our area, and we feel that we must take a pause and put thoughtful consideration into how projects like these affect our community.

 

"Many other counties all over the state are either putting forward or considering solar moratoriums for identical reasons. Area plan on Tuesday will consider new solar protections already on their way through the legislative process, which can provide us with a baseline of protection. We encourage area plan to both pass through these new rules with a favorable recommendation -- and put forward a solar moratorium so we can thoughtfully consider any additional safeguards we need to put into place."