Estherville, Iowa — The Emmet County Board of Supervisors has approved a temporary moratorium on construction permits for new wind energy projects in the county.
The county’s planning and zoning board has proposed updates to zoning rules for wind turbines. Supervisor Tim Schumacher of Estherville says the board now has time to review the proposal.
The moratorium will be in effect until January 31st of next year. Schumacher, who says he has been and remains a supporter of wind energy, say county officials now have time to review the potential impact of wind turbines on Emmet County residents.
A public hearing on the new wind energy ordinance will be held next Thursday, October 24th, at the Emmet County Courthouse. Earlier this year developers of the Red Rock Wind Energy project said they plan to erect 18 turbines in Emmet County. The company submitted its application for a construction permit to Emmet County officials earlier this month.
