If you were hoping Santa Fe County commissioners would render a verdict this week in the heated battle over whether to allow a massive solar and battery energy storage facility south of the city, you will have to wait.

After more than 20 hours of testimony this week on the high-profile proposal, commissioners opted to suspend the proceedings until 9 a.m. Aug. 26, when they will reconvene to allow county staff to respond to questions on the Rancho Viejo Solar project, which has fueled debate in the region and led to an outpouring of opposition from residents of the Eldorado area where the facility would be built.

"I move that we recess this session and reconvene January — all right, I'm tired — Aug. 26 to continue this session," Commissioner Hank Hughes said, shaking his head and chucklin

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