Zoning board denies request to amend wind-related ordinances
By Daniel Arens
Even as North Dakota comes to terms with the recent announcements of the intention to close Coal Creek Station in 2022, Mercer County is grappling with their own questions, including how wind power is incorporated into energy production.
During a planning and zoning board meeting April 16, the zoning board members discussed proposals from Garrison Butte Wind to amend three portions of the county ordinances related to wind energy facilities. This wind project, owned by Capital Power, is a proposal for a wind facility south of Hazen Bay, occupying over 22,000 acres in size.
The discussion at the zoning board meeting was on the proposed changes to the county’s current wind ordinance, not on the status of the particular wind farm project, which has not received any permits from the county.
