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Edgar County Board schedules public hearing on draft solar ordinance as utility-scale projects draw interest
Summary
The Edgar County Board reviewed a draft solar ordinance and discussed several proposed utility-scale solar projects, battery storage, cross-border acreage, and outreach ahead of a scheduled public hearing.
The Edgar County Board reviewed a draft solar ordinance Thursday and said it will hold a public hearing for comment at 8:30 a.m. before the next board meeting to consider public feedback and company input.
Board members and staff discussed multiple proposed utility-scale solar projects near the county, including projects that would cross the Illinois–Indiana border and firms that have identified thousands of acres. A speaker who described conversations with out‑of‑state developers said one firm (Ranger Power was named) has about 2,000 acres on the Indiana side and has been working to add acreage on the Illinois side, and that others have signed up farmland in southern Edgar County to connect to the county’s southern transmission line.
The board also discussed battery energy storage systems (BESS). Members said battery installations tied to solar will be included in the solar ordinance, but that standalone battery facilities may require a different, separate ordinance and hearing. The board asked county staff and counsel for clarification on portions of the draft ordinance that could be interpreted multiple ways; they said they will seek the attorney’s interpretation before final action.
Members said they had publicly posted the draft and promoted it on Facebook but had received little written feedback; several asked whether more public outreach or a newspaper notice might help. Board members said company representatives indicated they would attend the hearing to introduce themselves and answer questions.
The discussion identified two items the county will pursue before the hearing: (1) ask the county attorney to clarify ambiguous language in the draft ordinance, and (2) collect any prehearing feedback from local residents and the companies proposing projects so the board can adjust the draft if needed.
No ordinance was adopted at the meeting. The board set the public comment session at 8:30 a.m. at the government center and said the matter would return to the board after the hearing for any formal action.
