In a nearly 12-hour meeting Wednesday, Sedgwick County Commissioners denied two proposed solar projects.
The Galena Solar Project was a proposed $615 million, nearly 1500 acre solar farm and battery storage facility to be located west of OxyChem, southwest of Wichita. It was expected to generate 260-megawatts of energy.
Meanwhile, the Branch Line Solar Project was a proposed $150 million solar farm northeast of Clearwater. It would have covered nearly 1360 acres and generated 130-megawatts of energy.
Chairman Jeff Blubaugh cited several reasons to deny the projects, including aesthetics, declining property values for nearby homes, and proximity to the city of Clearwater.
Each proposal was denied by a 4-1 vote. Commissioner Ryan Baty provided the lone no vote in each case, citing landowners’ rights.
The projects were considered even after the commission in June approved a six-month moratorium.
