It was this past Tuesday evening, October 7th, that the Catlin Village Council passed a moratorium on new solar energy projects. Earthrise Energy is desiring a major 1,400 acre project along the Catlin-Tilton Road; but have not yet officially appealed to Catlin and Tilton for the necessary zoning changes. Recently, Tilton passed a moratorium on new solar projects that lasts through next June, and now Catlin has passed one that lasts through the end of next April.
Catlin Mayor Justin Bargo has told CIMG that one main purpose for the moratorium is to make sure Catlin’s zoning is up to date, such as for industrial sized projects. There is also concern about environmental issues such as drainage, infrastructure protection, and overall effects on the environment. Bargo says the village has hired risk advisor Lisa Comrie, as a six month consultant to look into these issues.
THE FOLLOWING ARE STATEMENTS BY EARTHRISE ENERGY AND THE VILLAGE OF CATLIN IN RESPONSE TO CATLIN MORATORIUM
Earthrise Energy
“We are disappointed with the Village of Catlin’s decision to enact a moratorium but respect the Village’s desire to establish a thoughtful solar ordinance. We will continue communicating with local leaders about the next steps for the Tilton Solar Project.” Ellie Ginis, Project Developer, Tilton Solar Project
Village of Catlin
Public Statement Regarding the Temporary Moratorium on Solar and Wind Developments
The Village of Catlin has adopted an ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on new solar development applications within the Village’s corporate limits and its one-and-a-half-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
This moratorium is not intended to block, prohibit, or unreasonably delay the construction of any solar project. The Village recognizes that under Illinois Public Act 102-1123, municipalities and counties are limited in their authority to restrict or deny the development of commercial solar and wind energy facilities. The Village of Catlin fully respects and complies with the provisions of this state law.
This statement and the related moratorium should not be interpreted as a reflection of the opinions, preferences, or decisions of the Village Board, the Zoning Committee, or any Village official regarding any specific solar project. Rather, it represents a good-faith effort by the Village to remain current with emerging energy technologies, evolving state laws, and best practices in municipal planning. The purpose of this action is to ensure that the Village’s ordinances and procedures are thorough, up-to-date, and in the best long-term interest of the community.
Public Act 102-1123 does not prevent municipalities from adopting reasonable local regulations pertaining to health, safety, drainage, emergency response, infrastructure protection, and environmental impacts, so long as those regulations are consistent with state standards. The Village’s moratorium is being implemented solely for the purpose of ensuring that these important local considerations are properly addressed and integrated into Village ordinances and plans.
The intent of this temporary pause is to allow the Village time to do the following:
-Conduct a thorough review of existing zoning, health, and safety ordinances, and make revisions or additions, as necessary, to address emerging energy technologies;
-Update the Village’s contingency and emergency response plans to ensure preparedness for any incidents or environmental issues associated with solar or wind energy facilities;
-Hold public hearings to provide residents an opportunity to share input, raise concerns, and help guide the Village’s policy decisions; and
-Work closely with qualified advisors and experts to evaluate the best practices for regulating and mitigating potential impacts of industrial-scale energy development.
The Village emphasizes that this moratorium is not a permanent restriction and is not being used as a means to circumvent state law. It is a temporary and responsible measure designed to ensure that the Village’s ordinances, procedures, and safety standards are current, complete, and aligned with both state requirements and the interests of Catlin residents.
The moratorium will remain in effect through April 30, 2026, unless lifted sooner by the Village Board after its review process is complete.
The Village of Catlin remains committed to transparency, responsible governance, and public involvement in shaping the future of our community. We thank our residents for their patience and participation as we work to ensure that all development within and around Catlin continues to promote public health, safety, and quality of life for all.
