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Iberia Parish debates solar ordinance for clean energy growth
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IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- A push for clean energy is sparking debate in Iberia Parish, where a newly proposed solar ordinance could determine how and where future solar farms are developed.
Parish leaders say the proposed rules are meant to protect residents and balance growth, while critics argue the regulations go too far and could block renewable energy investment.
“They’re going to look it over and they’re going to do their homework,” said Iberia Parish President M. Larry Richard. “They’re going to make the best decision that they feel is for the people of Iberia Parish.”
The current draft of the ordinance includes a one-mile buffer between solar farms and existing homes, churches or occupied buildings. It also requires thick vegetative screening and detailed site plans.
Some landowners say the restrictions could interfere with property rights, particularly for those in rural areas who want to lease land for solar development. Richard says the council is taking those concerns seriously.
“People invest in many different ways. Some invest in homes, others in land,” he said. “I think the parish council is going to take all of that into consideration when they vote on Wednesday.”
The location of the first proposed solar site is off Troy Road. According to Richard, that site was not selected by parish officials but by the solar energy company itself.
“You have to have an ordinance to say what the company can do and can't do,” he said.
While some residents hope solar development might lower electricity bills, Richard says he's unsure about that outcome.
“I think the big benefits in what's happening here is the company that would actually build a solar farm would sell that power, to my understanding, to CLECO and Entergy,” he explained. “I don't know how the people would benefit from it, because I don't think it's going to be something that's going to lower the rate of our power.”
The ordinance remains in draft form and could be amended before any final vote. Iberia Parish officials say they welcome public feedback at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Iberia Parish Courthouse.