Solar surprise: Farmers stunned as York County Board reverses zoning decision

McCOOL JUNCTION, Neb. (KLKN) — An unexpected change of mind on Tuesday reignited the fight over a proposed solar farm in York County.

A potential 3,000-acre solar farm project backed by the Omaha Public Power District has been the subject of debate for months.

OPPD said it will help make energy reliable and more affordable.

SEE ALSO: York County Board adopts zoning rules that make it harder to build large solar farms

But after public outcry, the York County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 earlier this month in favor of strict zoning regulations that would have made it nearly impossible for the solar farm to move forward.

For some farmers, it felt like a victory.

But on Tuesday, the board reversed its decision.

A procedural technicality put it back in front of the board, and one of the members changed his mind.

Leroy Ott switched his vote, saying he didn’t believe there was enough compromise.

He was the deciding vote.

SEE ALSO: Full house in York as locals meet to hear pros, cons of renewable energy projects

Gene Jackson, a farmer who has been fighting against the solar farm for years, said he is disappointed.

“I was cautiously optimistic,” he said. “I kind of had a gut feeling that something was going to happen.”

He said many of the farmers feel they’re being ignored by the commissioners.

“Why don’t they represent the people?” Jackson asked.

SEE ALSO: Public sounds off on proposed 3,000-acre solar farm in York County

But the members of the board said they haven’t come to this decision lightly.

The commissioners are now back to ground zero and will have to come up with new zoning regulations when it comes to solar panels.

For both OPPD and the farmers against the project, this means they’ll have to present their cases all over again.

“We are encouraged by the York County Commission’s decision to revisit the regulations for solar zoning,” OPPD said in a statement. “This helps keep the possibilities open for bringing new generation online and maintain low rates in response to unprecedented demand and growth to ensure Nebraska’s economy continues to prosper.”

Jackson said he is refusing to give up.

“We’re not done yet,” he said.

SEE ALSO: 3,000-acre solar farm planned in York County has residents charged up