Washtaw Parish Police Bureau adopts solar farm regulations and initiates six-month review

The Special Call Meeting held on April 17, 2025, by the City of Bastrop, Louisiana, focused on the ongoing discussions surrounding a moratorium related to solar farm regulations. The meeting began with a review of the provisions concerning the moratorium, which aims to regulate the permitting and construction of solar energy projects within the city.

A key point of discussion was the timeline of the moratorium, which is designed to cover applications submitted before the date of its introduction. This provision ensures that any projects already in the pipeline are not adversely affected by the new regulations.

Mr. Jones, a participant in the meeting, provided insights into a similar moratorium passed in neighboring Washington Parish. He detailed how their local government had adopted a comprehensive 26-page ordinance governing solar farms, which included regulations on aesthetics and decommissioning plans. This ordinance was developed in collaboration with energy companies and was later requested by other parishes for reference.

Jones noted that following the adoption of their regulations, there was a significant increase in public interest regarding solar energy projects. As a result, Washington Parish decided to take six months to further study the implications of their regulations to ensure consistency and thoroughness.

The conversation also touched on legislative matters, including a potential housing bill related to solar energy, although details were not fully clarified. Jones emphasized the contentious nature of solar farm regulations, citing ongoing litigation in southern Louisiana that arose from the granting of special use permits and variances. He pointed out that many municipalities had not previously considered solar energy in their planning and zoning ordinances, leading to confusion and legal challenges.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of establishing clear and comprehensive regulations for solar energy projects in Bastrop, reflecting a growing trend among local governments to address the complexities of renewable energy development. The city plans to continue its discussions and evaluations to ensure that its regulations are both effective and equitable.