Dickinson County will not put a hold on wind turbine construction, as the county board rejected a proposed moratorium during their latest meeting.
The vote came after several residents expressed concerns about new wind projects and their impact on the community.
A packed boardroom heard both support and opposition before the board made its decision. Many residents showed up to speak against allowing more wind turbines.
Some of them talked about health concerns, property values, and noise issues. Others were worried about how wind projects might change the landscape of Dickinson County.
Despite this, the Board of Supervisors decided not to move forward with the temporary ban. The vote was split, but the majority felt there wasn’t enough legal ground or immediate need to stop wind development in the county.
County Attorney David Kohlhaase explained that legally, a moratorium would need more justification and planning. He said that without clear zoning updates or a defined timeline, passing a ban would not be the right approach.
Board members also discussed how a moratorium could affect Dickinson County’s image in the long term, especially when it comes to supporting renewable energy and economic development.
One board member said halting wind projects could send a bad signal to clean energy companies that might want to invest in the area.
Even though the board rejected the moratorium, they agreed that the conversation about wind turbines isn’t over. Some supervisors said they are open to reviewing zoning rules and listening to more feedback from the public in the future.
In the meantime, wind energy developers can continue their projects as planned. This decision means Dickinson County will remain open to new renewable energy developments, at least for now.