Reno County Board of County Commissioners 06.15.26

The Reno County Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting on June 15, 2026, primarily to discuss potential regulations and policies regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and data centers within the county's unincorporated and zoned areas. The commissioners debated whether to ban, regulate, or use conditional use permits (CUPs) for these facilities, considering factors such as environmental risks, water usage, land use compatibility, and economic impact. Motions were made to ban BESS and data centers larger than one or two acres in unincorporated areas, excluding city jurisdictions, but there was no consensus or final vote. The board emphasized that any applications would first go through the Planning and Zoning Commission, which would hold public hearings and make recommendations back to the Board. The meeting concluded without definitive action, with the matter to proceed through the Planning and Zoning process for further study and public input.