NextEra Energy photo

NEBRASKA CITY - The Cass County Board voted to deny a permit for NextEra Energy’s proposed $400 million commercial solar system west of Murray.

The process for the 1.5 megawatt solar farm began four years ago prompting the county to declare a moratorium on solar permits. The county set new zoning regulations in April of 2023 and NextEra went through the public hearing process on its use of up to 2,000 acres of leased farmland.

Project Manager Matt Jones said the county may need more time before taking the vote because commissioners Terry Dasher and Dan Stohlmann were new to the board.

The county attorney will draft a resolution declaring the county has made a specific finding regarding the conditional use permit. The county planning commission recommended denial of the permit in October.

Commisisoner Alex DeGarmo voted present, the others voted to deny the permit.

Update

PLATTSMOUTH, Feb. 14, 2025 -- Cassgram reports on reasons offered by the Cass County board to deny a conditional use permit to the Cass County Solar project.

The county passed a resolution that said the dominant theme of the county’s development plan is to preserve agriculture.

The resolution noted that the energy produced on the solar farm had no direct benefit to the county, there was opposition form those living in the area and there was belief that surrounding property values would decrease.

The county also said the revenue to the Conestoga school district, county and other entities is not guaranteed upon the sale or transfer of the project to another entity.