The Vermilion County Board has voted to reject three site proposals for commercial solar energy facilities. All three had been proposed on sites in the southern part of the county.
Andrew Kite, an attorney representing the county, reminded board members to focus on the evidence that was considered by the board’s wind and solar committee….
{AUDIO: “Things outside that context – whether it relates to stock prices today, personal opinion about things, whether future projects may come into the county, etcetera – those issues need to be completely set aside in determining your vote.}
Retired farmer Russell Puzey warned that if one solar company is allowed to erect panels across the rich farmland, others will follow…
{AUDIO: “When the entry point is made onto the grid, the companies are going to line-up to be the next one, and the next one, and the next one. And I have a lot of proof of that because – my family’s farm is not very big and I can’t even begin to tell you how many offers we’ve had, and mailers from companies. Not the one that’s putting in this proposed one – but other companies.”}
The projects the county board rejected included an approximate 180- megawatt project covering over 1400 acres in Jamaica and Vance townships (in the southwestern part of the county). Also rejected were applications to construct and operate an approximately 4-megawatt commercial solar energy facility just west of Ridge Farm, and an approximate 5-megawatt commercial solar energy facility on about 60 acres of land in Elwood Township – also near Ridge Farm.
Eleven of the twenty-six county board members were absent when the votes were taken. Two abstained during the voting citing possible conflicts of interest. Only one voted yes with thirteen voting no.
The Illinois General Assembly had earlier approved legislation and Governor JB Pritzker signed it which states if an application for a commercial solar facility meets all ordinance requirements, then county boards shall approve their application.
County Board chairman Larry Baughn says the county ordinance regarding commercial solar operations does not contain anyway for a company to appeal if their application is rejected.
Also, during their meeting Tuesday evening, the County Board approved two decommissioning plans for commercial solar projects that were approved earlier. Both are in the Oakwood area. In one of the plans, Summit Ridge Energy agrees to provide over $562-thousand dollars for removing solar panels and restoring the site when decommissioning begins in probably 30 to 35 years. In the other the company agrees to secure a bond for just under $600-thousand dollars, or provide other means to pay the nearly $600-thousand dollars.
