Commission Rejects Battery Storage Facility Despite Planning Board Approval
Saline County officials cite safety concerns, resident opposition in 4-1 vote
SALINA, Kan. — The Saline County Commission voted 4-1 Tuesday to deny a conditional use permit for a proposed battery energy storage facility, overriding a unanimous approval recommendation from county planners and marking the latest rejection of utility-scale energy storage in rural Kansas.
Mountain Peak Energy Storage LLC, a subsidiary of Houston-based Plus Power, sought approval to construct the battery facility despite overwhelming opposition from nearby residents. Monte Shadwick said the majority of property owners within the required notification area submitted letters opposing the project. District 3 Commissioner Rodger Sparks questioned whether the developer's proposed $1.5 million liability insurance coverage would adequately protect taxpayers in the event of a fire or equipment failure at the facility.
Commissioners Joe Hay, Shadwick, Sparks and Annie Grevas voted to deny the permit, citing concerns about public safety, fire risks and impacts on the area's rural character. Commissioner James Weese cast the lone vote in favor of the project. The Saline County Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval of the conditional use permit at an earlier hearing, finding the project met county land-use requirements.
A similar facility was also recently rejected in Sumner County.
Greg Loving
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