Will County Blocks Earthrise Energy’s Solar Farm Proposal: Impact on Joliet’s Renewable Future

In the south suburbs of Joliet, Illinois, a community gathered in significant numbers on Tuesday to express their concerns over a solar farm project proposed to span three townships within Will County. The meeting, mandated by a judge, provided a platform for the project’s opponents to directly question the developers before any final decision is taken.

The developers found themselves under scrutiny as they faced a series of probing questions. Steven Becker, representing those against the solar farm, urged the commission to reject the project should the application prove incomplete. “It’s your responsibility as the commission to make the right decision,” Becker emphasized.

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The proposed project involves the creation of a 600-megawatt solar farm, complete with battery storage facilities, which would significantly affect several agricultural and wetland areas in the southwest suburbs. Each inquiry posed at the meeting represented the concerns of numerous individuals opposing this development.

Melissa Tabb-Eager, a resident of Green Garden Township, voiced environmental concerns, stating, “It’s just not suitable to install tens of thousands of poles made of galvanized steel, which will eventually corrode and potentially contaminate our water supply.” Her sentiments highlight the apprehension shared by many about the long-term environmental impact of the project.

In response, Ben Jacobi, an attorney representing Earthrise Energy, countered these claims by stating, “There is no evidence, or documented instances, of steel piles from solar facilities leaching into groundwater. Such concerns are unfounded.”

The dialogue between developers and community members underscores the tension between advancing renewable energy initiatives and preserving local environmental integrity, a balance that the commission must carefully weigh before reaching a conclusion.

Earthrise Energy, a Virginia-based power producer company that aims to reduce electric greenhouse gas emissions, looks to make Will County home to its Pride of the Prairie solar farm complex.

The proposed project would span about 6,100 acres across Manhattan, Green Garden and Wilton townships.

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission, ending the hours long meeting, voted against the proposed development.

“So, if this does proceed to a lawsuit down the road, this is where the evidence will be presented. That’s why the court granted our temporary restraining order to allow my clients to have this type of cross-examination,” Becker said.

This vote was only a recommendation by the commission. Plans will now head to the Will County Executive Committee on Thursday for further consideration with a final vote on this solar project expected by the full board later this month.