The rejection of the permit for the Situla Energy solar project continues to be a topic of discussion at Scotts Bluff County Board meetings, as supporters and legal counsel for the project continue to press for answers on specific questions.
During the public comment period Monday, Attorney Kyle Long asked the Board about production of a statement of factual findings about the conditional use permit rejection, which is required by state law.
“Situla asked me ‘Had this be done?’ I said I have not received one yet. This is why they asked me to come to the commissioners meeting to make sure that we ask for that so we know, in the future, whichever way the project is going, to try to address the concerns as we move forward,” Long said.
Chair Ken Meyer asked what was the deadline for producing such a statement, to which Long replied “The statute says it’s supposed to be done with the decision,” with Meyer responding “And that didn’t happen.”
Nebraska statutes also allow an applicant whose permit request was rejected to file an appeal with the District Court, and such a statement would be part of the basis of that appeal.
In addition, Reginald Preston continued to ask the board on what authority did they impose the moratorium on new renewable energy permits, as he hasn’t been able to find a statute that gives a county board that power.
It was noted during the discussion that several other counties in the state have undertaken similar moratoriums.
