Spirit Lake, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — Although it seems unlikely to pass, two members of the Dickinson County board of Supervisors say they will push forward on their attempt to enact a moratorium on alternative energy projects – wind, solar, and biofuels. A moratorium proposed by 5th District Supervisor Levi Markwardt and 3rd District Supervisor Steve Dullard – who both defeated incumbents in November’s election – was tabled Tuesday. Markwardt says he’ll work with county attorney Steve Goodlow to eliminate any ambiguity.

 

Tuesday’s text referred “a super majority” of residents who were against wind projects and talked about “protecting the county’s financial assets.” Markwardt says the intent is to hault future projects, NOT the Red Rock project that was approved two weeks ago by the Board of Adjustment. The County Attorney said he would help make that clearer. During a public comment period, County Zoning Administrator Megan Kardell said she feels like she’s being left out of the process.

When tabling the proposed moratorium came to a vote, District 1 Supervisor Kim Wemersen said he sees no need.

District 2 Supervisor Bill Leupold said he’s probably against a moratorium but joined Markwardt and Dullard to table discussion – he said – out of fairness. District 4 Supervisor Steve Clark abstained because of a business conflict.