Reno County commissioners reject battery storage, data center ban
Reno County commissioners held a special meeting to discuss a proposed ban on battery energy storage systems and data centers in parts of the county. After nearly two hours of debate, the commissioners ultimately rejected both motions for a ban. This decision means data center development will not be prohibited in the discussed areas.
Reno County commissioners convened a special meeting following public interest to discuss the potential banning of battery energy storage systems and data centers within specific areas of the county. The meeting, which was not initially open for public comment but drew attendees nonetheless, involved nearly two hours of intense back-and-forth conversation among the commissioners. During the debate, one commissioner questioned the existence of any company willing to build in Hutchinson, Kansas, that would create 300 jobs at a high hourly wage, suggesting a lack of tangible development interest.
Ultimately, the commissioners voted to reject two separate motions that would have established the ban. This decision allows for the continued consideration of data center and battery storage projects in Reno County without an outright prohibition.