Will County Nixes Earthrise Energy’s Solar Farm Proposal: Key Takeaways from Joliet Meeting

A significant crowd gathered in Joliet, Illinois, on Tuesday to express concerns over a proposed solar farm that could span across three townships in Will County.

The project was the focus of a meeting mandated by a judge, allowing community members to question developers ahead of a final decision. The developers were met with intense scrutiny.

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“It’s your responsibility as the commission to make the right decision. If the application lacks completeness, it should be rejected,” stated Steven Becker, the lawyer representing those opposing the solar farm.

The inquiries represented the interests of numerous opponents of the 600-megawatt solar and battery storage project, which threatens to affect several farming and wetland areas in the southwest suburbs.

Green Garden Township resident Melissa Tabb-Eager voiced a critical concern: “Installing tens of thousands of galvanized steel poles that will eventually corrode could severely contaminate our water supply.”

“There is no evidence, or documented evidence of steel piles from solar facilities leeching into ground water. It doesn’t exist,” said Ben Jacobi, an attorney for Earthrise Energy.

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.