SKAGIT COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Plans for an energy storage facility in rural Skagit County have been put on hold.

The Board of Skagit County Commissioners voted on Sept. 23 to put a moratorium on permits for energy storage or generation facilities on farmland.

It comes about a month after the board unanimously opposed a proposed energy storage project in an unincorporated part of the county.

The Skagit County Planning Commission say that they are considering an ordinance that would clearly define requirements for similar permits. They add that the moratorium will prevent an influx of applications before the new ordinance is approved.

A public hearing on the moratorium has been scheduled for Oct. 21 at the Board of Skagit County Commissioner’s Hearing Room.