By Karen Uhlenhuth, Energy News Network

The Sarpy County board of commissioners on Tuesday adopted new zoning language that would complicate, and possibly undo, plans by the Omaha Public Power District to develop a solar farm and gas-fired power plant in the fast-growing suburban county. Along with the restraints on solar arrays, the commissioners approved a moratorium on construction of fossil-fueled power plants through Oct. 31. Although the new regulations likely would prohibit the utility from proceeding with its current plan, there probably is a viable alternative, according to Stephen Bruckner, general counsel for the Omaha Public Power District. Read more here.

About Karen Uhlenhuth

Karen spent most of her career reporting for the Kansas City Star, focusing at various times on local and regional news, and features. More recently, she was employed as a researcher and writer for a bioethics center at a children’s hospital in Kansas City. Karen covers Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

More Articles by Karen Uhlenhuth

• With new board members, Omaha utility making moves toward low-carbon future
• Nebraska rancher’s solar system could offer power for grid, shade for cattle
• Midwest utilities ‘overwhelmingly surprised’ by solar subscription demand
• Despite floods, Nebraska utility leaders still hesitant to address climate change
• Nebraska steers VW money to ‘clean diesel’ school bus subsidies
• NextEra, Nebraska farmers aim to build largest solar farm in the Midwest

Photo Credit: Lincoln Electric System