The Ouachita Parish Police Jury has voted unanimously to renew its solar farm ordinance, extending a temporary halt on new solar farm developments for an additional six months. The August 4 decision aims to allow officials time to craft a comprehensive master plan for residential, commercial, and infrastructure growth.
Police Jury President Shane Smiley emphasized that the pause is intended to ensure informed decision-making with community input. “We want to be sure we’re making the right decisions based on the feedback we’re getting from those we represent,” Smiley said. He highlighted concerns about solar farms occupying large tracts of farmland.
Ongoing solar projects will not be affected by the ordinance.
