Wind and Solar Public Hearing - Monday, November 2, 2026

Effingham County held the second public hearing on November 2, 2026, regarding Effingham Solar One LLC’s application for a special-use permit for a solar facility. The petitioner submitted additional exhibits, including an updated decommissioning cost estimate, glare study, landscaping plan, setback map, and correspondence with the sheriff’s office and Illinois Department of Transportation. Public testimony raised concerns about drainage and runoff, decommissioning security and full removal costs, storm damage and fire risks, emergency access, wildlife, screening, farmland, and effects on neighboring properties. The petitioner argued the application met the ordinance and cited commitments including 100% financial security before construction and responsibility for storm-related cleanup. No procurement activity was identified; the matter concerned land use approval for a privately proposed energy facility.

During deliberations, the committee found the application incomplete and determined that a required decommissioning plan had not been submitted, although a cost estimate was provided. The committee also discussed outstanding road and emergency-services coordination and drainage concerns. A motion to recommend denial of the special-use application passed 3–0. The county board will make the final decision; its meeting was announced for November 16 at 4:00 p.m.