Planning Commission denies solar farm project

The Washington County, VA, Planning Commission voted to deny a more than 2,000 acre solar farm project. Residents expressed concerns about the project, specifically about the environmental impact of the project. Catalyst Energy Partners intends to use the solar power, combined with the Wolf Hills Gas Plant near the property, to provide a reliable power source that would deliver low-cost energy. They plan to place the farm on several parcels of land off of Wyndale Road in Abingdon, VA. Catalyst Energy Partners has worked for this project since the spring of 2022. The recommendation will go to the Board of Supervisors in July.