SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — Skagit County Commissioners said they adopted an interim ordinance Monday that imposes a moratorium on proposed energy projects on Skagit farmland.
The moratorium will last at least six months but may be extended if necessary.
This comes while the Skagit County Planning Commission is considering a new ordinance regarding electrical energy generation and storage facilities on lands zoned Ag-NRL. The board said it is concerned the prospect of new regulation could cause a rush of new permit applications.
“The moratorium will afford our community time and space to get this right,” said Peter Browning, Skagit County commissioner. “Pavement is forever.”
The proposed facility to store electricity in large lithium-ion batteries caused a backlash in the community. Detractors of the facility said earlier this month it would be a safety hazard and subvert the will of the people.
“We fully understand the importance of a stable energy supply, but Skagit farmland is irreplaceable,” said Lisa Janicki, Skagit County commissioner.
The facility would be located on eight acres of farmland east of Sedro-Woolley, off Minkler Road and along Hanson Creek.
Developers said the facility would be safe but townspeople have their doubts. Construction of the $250 million facility would support 75 to 100 union jobs, according to officials.
There is no active farming or water rights for agriculture on the parcel that the proposed project would be located on. The county code allows for major utility developments as a special use under the current zoning of this parcel.
The board will have a public hearing on the moratorium on Oct. 21 to accept public comments. The public may join the hearing in person in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room at 1800 Continental Place or via Zoom at the link on the Commissioner’s webpage.
Eric Wilkinson contributed to this report.