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BISBEE, Ariz. (13 News) – The Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously rejected a proposal Wednesday that would have nearly doubled the size of a solar facility located southwest of Whetstone and added two 20-acre battery storage facilities.
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More than 100 people attended the meeting, filling the room beyond capacity. Commissioners said the turnout — which came one night after a monsoon — influenced their decision to vote on the item rather than table it again, as had happened previously.
Many residents and speakers argued the battery storage expansion would serve as a precursor to the construction of a data center on the site.
Rick Evans, president of the Chula Vista Estate Homeowners Association, said the solar facility is already visible from nearby properties.
“We can see it from our back porches. It’s that close,” Evans said. “They gave misinformation about the distances and clearances and such.”
Evans also said the pattern of solar and battery expansions typically leads to data center development.
“Every one of them I’ve seen turns into a data center. They do it in three footsteps. It’s like sneaking a hand around your shoulder,” Evans said.
Dan Baker, executive director of Environmental Testing USA, raised concerns about the project’s impact on the county’s character.
“People don’t come here to watch and see wind turbines, data centers, solar farms or what have you,” Baker said.
Commissioners said the proposal had significant gaps. District One Planning and Zoning Commissioner Christy Zoumis questioned what the project would provide to the county.
“How is it benefiting Cochise County? Like, and nobody can answer that,” Zoumis said.
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District Two Commissioner John Benedict said the project would generate no local tax revenue or jobs.
“Because this is assessed through the central assessor at the state level, it’s only assessed at 20% of the asset value. Zero tax revenue, zero jobs, and a ton of risk to our community,” Benedict said.
Benedict also cited the public turnout as a factor in the commission’s decision.
“We had a monsoon last night. People braved the floods. We did a bunch of preparation. We’re not here to acquiesce to out-of-state developers. We represent the residents of Cochise County, so it was time,” Benedict said.
Vice Chair Robert Montgomery said the public participation reflected the intent of democratic governance.
“This is exactly what the founding fathers wanted. Whether the opinions are in agreement or not, or whether I agree with them. This is what we are supposed to do,” Montgomery said.
Project officials were largely absent from the meeting, with many reportedly assuming the item would be tabled again.
The company retains the right to appeal the commission’s decision.
Evans said the outcome demonstrated what organized communities can accomplish.
“The system works. Government works when everybody gets involved and everybody speaks up. It’s a win for us, and we’ll be back for the next fight,” Evans said.
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