Local Control Prevails: Dawson County Voters Back Wind Tower Restrictions

Dawson County voters approved two ballot measures during the June 2 primary election that supporters say will significantly limit future industrial-scale wind and solar development in the county.

The first measure, approved by 61 percent of voters, establishes a countywide height limit of 250 feet for structures, effectively preventing the construction of modern industrial wind turbines that can exceed 600 feet in height.

A second measure passed with 71 percent support and requires large-scale wind and solar projects to maintain a minimum half-mile setback from water-related resources, including wells, springs, streams, wetlands, stock ponds, dams and lakes.

Local Control at Center of Debate

Former state senator Ric Holden, who helped lead the effort, called the vote a significant expression of local control.

“This will be the first time in Montana history that the people of a county actually had the opportunity to vote on whether or not they wanted industrial wind turbines developed across the county,” Holden said.

Holden said the ballot measures were pursued after residents spent more than two years attending county commission and planning board meetings, and after citizen-led zoning proposals were rejected by the Dawson County commissioners, organizers turned to the ballot initiative process.

said residents became concerned about the visual impact of the projects, potential environmental effects, and the long-term character of the county’s landscape.

Supporters of the measures spent more than two years attending county commission meetings, planning board sessions, and public hearings before ultimately pursuing the ballot initiative route.

“When the people actually got to vote, they made their decision,” Holden said.

Dawson County Experience May Pave the Way

Holden believes the Dawson County experience could provide a roadmap for other Montana counties facing similar debates over renewable energy projects.

“If you’re somewhere in Montana and you’re having problems with wind energy development, you can put a petition together, put it on the ballot, and let the people decide the matter,” Holden said.

Holden noted that legal language for both measures has already been developed and is publicly available, potentially making it easier for other counties to pursue similar initiatives if local residents choose.

The vote comes as debates over wind energy, solar development, transmission infrastructure, and other large-scale energy projects continue to emerge across rural Montana.

While supporters of the Dawson County zoning measures view the outcome as a victory for local control and land stewardship, the results also highlight the growing tensions many communities face as energy developers seek new locations for renewable energy projects throughout the region.

Story by Tom Schultz, Host of Voices of Montana

Local Control Prevails: Dawson County Voters Back Wind Tower Restrictions

Comments