HUTCHINSON, Kan. — While Reno County commissioners placed any planning or zoning requirements regarding a proposed wind farm squarely in the hands of the planning commission, Sedgwick County commissioners have done what many residents in Reno County were seeking.

The Sedgwick County Commission unanimously approved a moratorium on new wind farm or solar energy developments in the county. The move stops planning officials from issuing new permits for proposed plants for six months. County Commission Chairman David Dennis told KWCH the delay allows county leaders to develop rules for future wind and solar developments.

It was what many in Reno County wanted in connection with the proposed NextEra wind project south of Haven. Area residents repeatedly asked for the moratorium, citing lack of study on the effects of wind farms to property values and way of life. Instead, the commission asked that the matter be decided by the planning commission.

NextEra has yet to file an application for the wind farm.