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DeKalb County Board approves multiple commercial solar permits after hours of public comment
Summary
After more than an hour of public testimony both for and against utility-scale projects, the DeKalb County Board approved several special-use permits and ordinances authorizing commercial solar facilities and smaller community solar projects, while residents pressed for stronger setbacks, escrow funds and water protections.
The DeKalb County Board approved several special-use permits and related ordinances for commercial solar projects on Tuesday after extensive public comment from farmers, nearby residents, students and developers.
Supporters said the projects would bring jobs, tax revenue and clean energy; opponents warned of lost farmland, flooding risk, glare, decommissioning and inadequate protections for nonparticipating neighbors. The board approved a 4.5-megawatt special-use permit on State Route 38 and a larger multi‑parcel permit tied to Burr Oak/Burrow Solar LLC, among other projects.
The approvals followed public testimony from dozens of residents and organized groups. “This project will operate safely and does not contain any hazardous and toxic material that results in installation,” said Chase Line, identifying himself as the project developer and applicant for the Burr Oak project. Students and environmental advocates urged the board to back renewable energy; Trevor White, representing a Black Futures/Justice and Sustainability chapter, said students “unanimously decided that solar is going to be helpful for future generations.”
Opponents pressed for local conditions.…
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