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LaSalle County board urges state to restore local control over wind and solar siting
Summary
The county board passed a resolution asking the Illinois General Assembly to repeal Public Act 102-1123 (the 2023 change limiting county siting authority for wind and solar), citing reduced setbacks and loss of local control; vote was 21–5 in favor of the resolution.
LaSalle County’s board approved a resolution on April 10 asking the Illinois General Assembly to repeal Public Act 102-1123, the 2023 law that changed how counties regulate the siting of wind and solar energy facilities.
The resolution notes that the 2023 law (adopted during a lame-duck session) amended portions of the Illinois Counties Code and restricted county zoning authority over renewable projects. The board’s resolution says the statutory changes reduced certain setbacks (for example, a stated change from a prior 500-foot setback for nonparticipating properties to a 150-foot setback), shortened the county decision timeline from 45 days to 30 days for some applications, and removed local factors that counties had previously considered — including local land-evaluation/site-assessment (Lisa) scores, use of local building trades, agrivoltaics and preferences for domestically manufactured panels.
Speakers argued the resolution is intended to restore the “right to have a voice” for local residents and to give county officials authority to add conditions that protect neighbors and farmland. Supporters pointed to the county’s 2023 comprehensive plan that emphasizes preserving prime farmland and to continuing increases in expected project lifespans (board discussion cited typical lease terms of 20–35 years and noted modern service lives are longer).
Opponents of an absolute prohibition on renewable projects argued board members should not vote against projects “just because” they are solar; several members emphasized property-owner rights and the role of the Zoning Board of Appeals. The board debate included references to discussions with state legislators and a staff draft prepared by county counsel.
The roll-call vote on the resolution was 21 ayes, 5 nays; the board chair directed that certified copies be mailed to the governor, legislative leaders and LaSalle County’s state delegation.
The resolution requests repeal and replacement of the cited public act and directs county staff to send copies to state officials and LaSalle County’s state representatives and senators. The resolution itself does not change county ordinances; it is a formal request to the state legislature.
