La Plata County commissioners deserve credit for threading a difficult needle this week (Herald, Jan. 21). By lifting the seven-month moratorium on battery energy storage systems while thoughtfully adjusting setback requirements, they found a workable compromise between safety concerns and practical necessity.
This wasn’t easy. Few issues have generated more public testimony, as Commissioner Marsha Porter-Norton noted. Residents raised legitimate questions about fire hazards and emergency response capabilities. Their voices mattered, and the commissioners listened.
But supporters made a compelling case about safety improvements. As we noted in our Dec. 12 editorial, “BESS: Smart rules can protect public safety and progress,” national labs report a 97% decline in BESS failure rates since 2018, thanks to safer chemistries like lithium iron phosphate and stricter codes. Major Colorado jurisdictions – Denver, Arapahoe County, Fort Collins – already regulate these systems using structure-based setbacks, a more flexible approach than rigid property-line distances.
The final 200-foot setback from property lines for properties with homes, reduced from the previously proposed 330 feet, strikes a balance between safety and practicality. It protects neighbors while making projects feasible. As LPEA board member John Witchel noted, the original requirements would have effectively prohibited any utility-scale battery facility in the county.
Why does this matter? Battery storage is a critical component for renewable energy sources, storing excess power and providing electricity when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow, making it essential infrastructure for grid reliability. LPEA's proposed Shenandoah project would strengthen service for parts of the Western service area and help prevent outages during peak demand.
Importantly, Tuesday’s vote simply established countywide rules. Each specific project still requires intensive review, fire-safety analysis, and extensive public input. The process isn’t over; it’s just beginning on sound footing.
The commissioners showed that good governance means listening to all sides, weighing evidence carefully, and finding solutions that serve the broader community interest. Thank you for getting this right.
