McHenry County Board in Illinois has overturned restrictions on twelve solar farms that were previously approved. The decision, which came amidst a lawsuit from a solar farm developer, was voted on by the board members at a meeting on Tuesday. One board member voiced concerns about permanent zoning changes. The repeal was approved with 11 votes in favor, 6 against, and one abstention.
The board also voted to remove a 10-year time limit condition placed on another solar farm in Crystal Lake. Board member Jim Kearns stated that he did not agree with these amendments and wanted to vote against them. Kearns was the only member to comment on this particular repeal. The vote breakdown mirrored the previous one with the exception of one member abstaining and another not voting.
The state of Illinois has restricted counties’ ability to regulate solar farms. The conditions that McHenry County had imposed on the solar farms were an attempt to maintain some control over the operations, despite opposition from some local residents. However, a lawsuit filed by IL Solar 9000 LLC argues that the county’s restrictions go beyond what is allowed under state law.
The repeal of these restrictions is seen as a victory for solar farm developers who felt that the previous conditions were too burdensome. It also highlights the ongoing tension between local control and state regulations in the renewable energy sector.
This decision by the McHenry County Board is likely to have implications for future solar farm developments in the area. Without these restrictions in place, solar farm developers may face fewer obstacles when seeking approval for their projects. However, it remains to be seen how this will be received by the local community and whether there will be any pushback against the board’s decision.
The repeal of the restrictions could also signal a shift in the county’s approach to renewable energy. With the restrictions lifted, more solar farms may be able to operate in McHenry County, contributing to the region’s renewable energy goals. This could have positive environmental and economic impacts, as solar energy continues to gain momentum as a viable and sustainable energy source.
Overall, the McHenry County Board’s decision to repeal these restrictions on solar farms reflects the ongoing discussions and debates surrounding renewable energy policies at the local and state levels. As the demand for clean energy continues to grow, finding a balance between local control and state regulations will be crucial in fostering the development of renewable energy projects.