Governor JB Pritzker has signed a bill establishing a statewide site selection process for wind and solar projects. The legislation is effective immediately. The new site standards regulate commercial wind energy and solar energy projects.
The bill establishes distances from residences, occupied buildings and other property where wind and solar projects may be placed. Existing county ordinances are limited from exceeding the state standards, specifically from regulating sound limitations. Any special use or zoning ordinance cannot be more restrictive than the new state law.
About a year ago the Vermilion County Board passed an ordinance regarding set-back requirements. A company has been considering placing a new wind and solar project in the southern part of Vermilion County, but thus far has not filed the necessary paperwork to proceed.
The Illinois Farm Bureau told legislators earlier this month that the bill does not adequately protect private property. And the Farm Bureau added it fails to build an acceptable minimum standard for the development of wind and solar facilities.
