HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. (KAKE) - The Harvey County Commission has unanimously voted to ban commercial wind and solar energy projects within the county.

Revisions in the Harvey County Unified Development Code Section 16.14 state that while commercial wind and utility-scale solar projects are not allowed, limited-scale solar construction is permitted, as are personal wind and solar energy installations for homes.

In October 2022, the commission revised its commercial renewable energy regulations to update language regarding setback distance, permissible locations, restrictions and financial protections. Later, the Planning and Zoning Advisory Board requested that the commission institute a six-month moratorium on commercial renewable energy construction, which was put in place in February of this year. The moratorium was again extended in August to run through December 5.