Montgomery County Adopts Code of Conduct for Energy Project Land Agents

Montgomery County Board Meeting | May 12, 2026

Article Summary: The Montgomery County Board on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, unanimously approved a county-wide code of conduct for land agents and energy project representatives, adopting the measure the same night four residents used public comment to accuse Pattern Energy of withholding information about its proposed Shoals wind and solar project.

Land Agent Code of Conduct Key Points:

• The resolution sets out mandatory registration, a no-contact list requirement, a code of conduct and enforcement provisions, and references the in-force criminal code on trespassing.
• Development & Personnel Committee Chairman Chad Ruppert read the resolution in its entirety before the vote; it passed with all in favor and is filed at Resolution Book 23, pages 281-282.
• Three residents told the board Pattern has not answered questions about the project’s footprint, transmission line, tower locations and lease agreements.
• Ruppert reported that UKA is no longer pursuing any wind projects in Montgomery County.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY — The Montgomery County Board on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, unanimously approved a Resolution Establishing a County-Wide Code of Conduct for Land Agents and Energy Project Representatives, a measure aimed at the leasing agents working the county’s farmland ahead of large-scale wind and solar development.

Ruppert reported that the Development & Personnel Committee had reviewed the draft resolution. He said the resolution references the in-force criminal code regarding trespassing, sets out a code of conduct similar to the one posted on Pattern’s website, a no-contact list requirement, mandatory registration, and enforcement. Ruppert read the resolution in its entirety, adding explanations for each requirement.

Ruppert moved approval, with a second from Evan Young. All voted in favor. The resolution is recorded at Resolution Book 23, pages 281-282.

Residents Press for Information

The vote followed a public comment period dominated by the proposed project. Pattern Energy’s Shoals project is a 500-megawatt hybrid wind and solar development. At the Development & Personnel Committee’s April 6, 2026, meeting, company representative Maggie Poteau said Pattern has an office in Raymond, is winding down land acquisition and is preparing to submit a siting permit application in 2027.

Jason Goby told the board that after meeting with Pattern Energy representative Diogo Botelho on April 14, 2026, following last month’s County Board meeting, he calculated Pattern would pay $6 million to $7 million in property taxes the first year. He said he believes the county deserves a full 25-year projection of anticipated property tax revenue for every taxing body.

Dan Mulch thanked the County Board for hosting Pattern Energy last month, but said the company’s repeated promise of transparency has been “laughable,” noting only two new leases have been recorded since February 2026. After reading an internet post from Wisconsin, he said his group is working on its own public map and reminded the board that landowners who have not signed leases have rights.

Heath Houck said his centennial family farm is on the proposed transmission line portion of the Pattern Energy project, and that information from his neighbors contradicts information he has been provided by the company. He said he would like to educate himself about the project, but it is difficult when the company won’t respond to requests for information.

Houck and Mulch had made similar points to the committee in April. At that meeting, Mulch asked Pattern to “keep it coming” on information, and requested details on the project footprint and the number and type of turbine towers. Houck said then that he had never heard back from the company after requests for information on pole type, height and density.

Chairman Displays Lease Map

Under the Shoals Wind Project item, Ruppert displayed a map he was provided by an outside source depicting parcels in which lease agreements with Pattern have been signed. The map also displayed tower locations submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration which the company had previously described as “random.” Ruppert said he was displaying the map to clear up misrepresentations about who has and has not signed lease agreements.

Ruppert also noted President Trump’s plan to halt all wind projects due to national security concerns regarding potential radio interference. He said the committee also discussed the 1.5-mile municipal Extra Territorial Jurisdiction that can be exercised by communities with zoning ordinances.

Under a separate item, Ruppert reported he received information recently stating UKA is no longer pursuing any wind projects in Montgomery County.

The county’s solar docket also remains active. Ruppert reminded the board the public hearing for the proposed Elm Lawn Solar Farm is set for Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the County Board Room at the Historic Courthouse. County representatives met with the City of Litchfield about that application on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Litchfield City Hall.