Union representatives urge Clark County to back Sloopy Solar; commissioners cite differing fiscal assumptions

March 4, 2026 — Several union members and local workers told the Clark County Board of Commissioners that the proposed Sloopy Solar project would deliver substantial long-term revenue and local jobs, urging the board to consider those benefits.

Jason Lautenslager, who said he represents 1,100 union workers (about 100 of whom live in Clark County), told the board the numbers he is reviewing show "That number is $57 million over the life of the project," laying out his estimate of cumulative revenue if the project runs 25–30 years. Commissioner Charles A. Patterson responded that the board's analysis used different assumptions: "the number the commissioners were given was $1.2 million if they generate the amount of power they have said," and noted a pilot would yield less to the Board of County Commissioners directly.

Speakers from the Operating Engineers and Laborers unions said they expect the project to employ local labor under union agreements and to keep wages and quality standards high. Clayton Tolliver of Clark County said local hiring would help families stay in the area; Kip Siesel and Tony James underscored that union agreements would support local work opportunities. Ron Garder, who described experience on prior solar projects, framed the installations as county benefits and clean-energy work.

The meeting record also notes that Commissioner Richard L. Lohnes reported Madison County Commissioners voted not to support the Sloopy Solar project and have decided to intervene; county counsel Beau Thompson said he is awaiting approved minutes from a prior meeting to file the intervention documents. No formal Clark County vote on Sloopy Solar occurred at the March 4 session.