‘Include local governments:’ Luckey issues statement following Microsoft deal with Sinnissippi solar

JEFFERSON – Jefferson County Administrator Michael issued a statement Wednesday regarding large-scale energy projects.

The statement follows news that Microsoft Corporation will subscribe to 90% of the power capacity generated by the proposed Sinnissippi Solar Energy facility outside the towns of Watertown, Ixonia and Concord.

He pointed to the need for Wisconsin to meaningfully involve local governments in the decision-making process for energy facilities and data centers.

“The state of Wisconsin has removed Jefferson County’s ability to plan land use and large-scale energy projects,” said Luckey. “The County Board and residents reasonably expect that farmland used for solar energy generation will, at minimum, bring additional power to their communities.

“The fact that 90% of the energy will go to a data center in a different part of the state…