THE FOLLOWING IS A STATEHOUSERADIO, ILLINOIS RELEASE
Governor JB Pritzker has officially signed a bill into law that sets statewide standards for wind and solar farm siting, saying the law is necessary so projects can’t be held hostage by local opponents. But those who opposed the bill say they are concerned the state of Illinois is making decisions that local governments should make.
Over the past years, counties around the state have enjoyed wide latitude to set rules for where wind and solar energy projects can be located. But the new law prevents any local ordinance from being more restrictive than the new state standards.
Vermilion County Board Chairman Larry Baughn says when pro-renewable energy state legislators say counties were simply getting in the way of the energy of the future with their own rules, that is simply wrong. Baughn says County governments have every right to protect their residents; and they will continue to do what they can, despite this new law.
AUDIO: With that being passed, we have also been looking at different ways to try to combat that; and to try to be mindful to our local residents.
Downstate Republican Representative Charlie Meier of Okawville, who represents the 109th district, says with the state taking away the county zoning for wind and solar, Illinois residents need to be aware of all of the small print in any wind or solar contract they may be thinking about signing; and keep the distant future in mind.
AUDIO: Well with the state taking the county zoning away for wind and solar, and I’m not against wind and solar projects; but I want people to be aware that they need to carefully look at the contracts. Not a lot of people are aware of all the small print in there. This could affect your Federal Farm Program payments even, on the rest of your farm ground, because of the rights that are given to the solar and wind companies. So you need to hire a lawyer. These contracts are for 30 to 50 years. And so, this is going to affect yours kids even.
Again; Meier, who is a farmer, says seek legal representation with someone who is well versed in wind and solar.
