Emery County Approves Grants, Debates Solar Farm Future

Commissioners discuss commercial property valuations and a potential ordinance prohibiting utility-scale solar farms.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Emery County Commission convened on March 3 to approve grants for local businesses and the county library system, as well as discuss the future of utility-scale solar farms and commercial property valuations in the county. The commissioners approved over $250,000 in grants, but debated a potential ordinance to prohibit new solar farm developments, citing concerns over tax implications and the county's reliance on coal power. The commission ultimately decided to send the solar ordinance proposal to the Planning and Zoning committee for review before holding a public hearing.

Why it matters

Emery County has historically been reliant on the coal industry, and the commissioners are grappling with how to balance supporting local businesses, addressing commercial property valuation requirements, and potentially limiting the growth of renewable energy projects like solar farms. This debate highlights the challenges rural communities face in transitioning away from fossil fuels while also supporting their local economies.

The details

The Emery County Commission approved over $250,000 in grants, including $237,000 in 50/50 matching grants for 30 local businesses through the Main Street Business Grant program, and a $15,000 grant for the Emery County Library System to purchase new technology. The commissioners also discussed a potential ordinance to prohibit the development of new utility-scale solar farms in the county, citing concerns over the impact on coal usage and tax implications. While some commissioners were open to solar projects that could lower property taxes, others voiced strong opposition. Ultimately, the commission voted 2-1 to send the solar ordinance proposal to the Planning and Zoning committee for review before holding a public hearing.

  • The Emery County Commission convened on Tuesday, March 3, for its biweekly meeting.
  • The commission has a deadline of May 22 to address changes in state code regarding commercial property valuations.

The players

Emery County Commission

The governing body of Emery County, Utah, responsible for approving grants, evaluating commercial property, and debating policies related to energy development in the county.

Patsy Stoddard

Representative from the Emery County Business Chamber who presented the recipients of the 2026 Main Street Business Grant.

Desirée Malley

Representative from the Emery County Library System who presented the 2026 Library Technology Grant.

Keven Jensen

Emery County Commissioner who voiced opposition to the development of new utility-scale solar farms in the county.

Dennis Worwood

Emery County Commissioner who explained the current state of electricity production in the county and recommended sending the solar ordinance proposal to the Planning and Zoning committee.

Jordan Leonard

Emery County Commissioner who said he would be open to solar projects that could lower property taxes for citizens.

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What they’re saying

“We have 30 businesses apply for that, and the grants review committee met, and they went over all of the qualifications for each of the grants and made sure that each of the businesses was acceptable. And then they made the grant awards.”

— Patsy Stoddard, Emery County Business Chamber (castlecountryradio.com)

“A question that I have is, in the counties, being a commissioner, what is this doing for coal usage in our power plants? Are we burning the same amount of coal or are we burning less coal with these projects?”

— Keven Jensen, Emery County Commissioner (castlecountryradio.com)

“My preference would be to send it through planning and Zoning, get their recommendations, and then hold a public hearing where everybody could read whatever was proposed and voice their opinion.”

— Dennis Worwood, Emery County Commissioner (castlecountryradio.com)

“I'm not a fan of new project areas. But if that project area could be structured in a way that might lower our property taxes, I may be in favor. So my focus as a commissioner is trying to help lower property taxes.”

— Jordan Leonard, Emery County Commissioner (castlecountryradio.com)

What’s next

The Emery County Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed solar farm ordinance after receiving a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning committee.

The takeaway

Emery County's debate over solar farm development highlights the challenges rural communities face in balancing support for traditional fossil fuel industries with the growth of renewable energy projects. The commissioners' focus on property taxes and the impact on local residents underscores the need to find solutions that address both economic and environmental concerns.