Winchester III Solar and Battery Energy Storage Facility

Paid tribute to late Commissioner Randy Limbach, praised the recent data center ordinance, and urged the commission to protect the local environment and bird populations from green energy projects.

Congratulated staff on data center rules but urged stronger environmental protections, public expert workshops, and consideration of regional water scarcity and aquifer over-pumping.

Spoke in support of the solar yard, noting that Audubon Society studies show solar benefits birds over time and represents a far cleaner option than fossil fuel plants.

Spoke on behalf of the Arizona Technology Council, urging approval of the Winchester III solar project as a well-designed investment in grid reliability and local economic growth.

Raised serious safety concerns regarding BESS battery chemistry, toxic gases, missing safety data sheets, and potential chemical exposure without adequate county regulations.

A neighboring resident stated that after discussing buffers, road repairs, and monsoon drainage with the developer, he is fully comfortable having them as neighbors.

Expressed worries over local water usage for dust control, damaged road conditions from construction traffic, and potential negative impacts on property values.

Discussed potential solar panel leaching studies and recommended mandatory baseline soil testing to protect public health and track environmental changes.

Stated that solar with storage is the safest, most cost-effective, and lowest water-use energy generation technology available in Arizona.

Argued that building solar in a sunny region makes logical sense and provides much-needed tax revenue for Cochise County.

A local rancher noted that agricultural water shortages make solar projects a practical and beneficial use of land for landowners and local revenue.

Spoke in favor of clean energy sustainability, praising projects that provide reliable infrastructure without sacrificing quality of life.

Recommended adding conditions for road repair after construction, waterless dust control, and larger wildlife-permeable fence openings.

Expressed disappointment that power serves Tucson rather than locals, voiced fears over lost mountain views and property values, and urged the county to halt solar expansion.

Supported the project, explaining that energy is routinely generated in one place and used elsewhere, and praised solar's low water impact and tax benefits.