Dawson County Conservation District Proposes Wind and Solar Energy Ordinance

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For the first time in Montana history, the Dawson County Conservation District has taken steps to limit and regulate alternative energy projects, specifically wind and solar electricity generation. The new ordinance would require that "Alternative Energy Facilities" be set back at least half a mile from water sources and include decommissioning and bonding requirements. The people of Dawson County will vote on the ballot measure in June.

Why it matters

As more wind and solar projects are planned across Montana, local conservation districts are seeking to balance the need for renewable energy with protecting natural resources like water, wildlife, and farmland. This ordinance represents a novel approach by a county-level agency to directly regulate alternative energy development.

The details

The Dawson County Conservation District spent two months gathering public testimony and facts about the effects of industrial wind and solar projects on local farmland. State law authorizes conservation districts to formulate regulations governing the use of lands within the county, concerning soil and water resources. The new ordinance would require a permit for any "Alternative Energy Facilities" and include setbacks from water sources as well as decommissioning and bonding requirements.

• The Dawson County Conservation District spent two months gathering public testimony and facts.
• The people of Dawson County will vote on the ballot measure on June 2, 2026.

What’s next

The people of Dawson County will vote on the ballot measure on June 2, 2026.