Jefferson County Commissioners held a second reading of the proposed solar ordinance with amendments at their meeting
5 PM Thursday, September 4, 2025
EMA Building, 620 Green Road, Madison, IN 47250
At the first reading, the commissioners proposed amendments to increase the setback from 500′ to 650′ for non-participating adjoining land owners and adding pastureland to the acres taken out of farm production for solar, which will count towards the countywide limit of 4,000 total acres that can be allocated to utility scale solar.
Concerned Citizens raised several other proposed amendments to the commissioners. Heartfelt public comments were received and difficult conversations ensued. One particular point of contention centered on the implications of USDA’s recently revoked Federal Tax credits for utility scale solar. For some reason, Commissioner Bramer felt compelled to read the definition of USDA Prime AG land. He then went on to suggest that the land in the Chelsea area did not meet the definition. He failed to read any mitigating factors, such as drainage tiles that can elevate the rating of Prime AG Land. Why target only the Chelsea area?
Public comments closed with this second reading, but you are highly encouraged to contact the commissioners BEFORE the September 18th meeting to voice your concerns and propose amendments:
Due to a 2025 change, Indiana statute IC 36-7-4-607.5 the commissioners now yield the power to amend the plan commissions recommendations. This simply means, that the commissioners can amend and adopt the solar ordinance without any further review.
