Hancock County board adopts amended solar ordinance, adds 'act of God' cleanup requirement

Hancock County’s Board of Commissioners adopted an amended solar ordinance following a public hearing at its May 19 meeting in Carthage, approving an amendment that requires solar developers to be responsible for cleanup after an "act of God."

The hearing opened at 6:38 p.m. after a motion by Wayne Bollin and second by Michelle Merritt. County officers told the board that Illinois passed new laws on wind and solar in January 2026 that limit how restrictive local standards may be and noted the county lacks zoning authority, framing the legal constraints on local regulation.

During debate, Bollin moved to insert language holding the solar company responsible for cleanup following an "act of God," a change seconded by Dennis Castlebury; the amendment passed on a roll-call vote. The board then approved the amended ordinance. Alex Blythe, Lee Ann Lambert and Steve Lucie voted no; the remaining members present voted yes.

Members also discussed whether to retain outside counsel to advise on energy matters. "Ms. James" told the board she would proceed if the community agrees to pay for legal services; the board asked staff to explore what legal options exist under the new state law.

The ordinance alters the county’s regulatory posture by clarifying developer responsibilities for post-event cleanup while otherwise aligning local standards with state law. No timeline for implementation or enforcement details were specified during the meeting; board members indicated further legal review may be needed.

The board moved on to other business after the vote.