The Lee County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the first reading of a new ordinance aimed at regulating commercial wind, solar, and battery energy projects. The 49-page draft, now posted online, outlines standards for siting, permitting, and decommissioning, along with road use, emergency response, and wildlife protections. However, some residents voiced concerns over the current setback rules for wind towers near properties of non-participating landowners. One individual suggested increasing the minimum distance to 1,600 feet. Supervisors noted the county’s current standard, 1.5 times tower height, is already more stringent than proposed state guidelines. Two more readings are required before final adoption.
