Quincy Reporter

State Senator Jil Tracy of Quincy has highlighted the importance of restoring local control over solar and wind energy projects. She addressed concerns raised by city officials and complaints from consumers regarding the construction of renewable energy facilities.

"Renewable energy projects are an important part of a comprehensive energy plan; however, it’s not wise to rely on an ‘all-or-nothing’ scenario," Sen. Tracy stated. She emphasized that plans focusing solely on solar or wind power should be thoroughly vetted to ensure they provide affordable and sufficient energy without encroaching on residential areas.

Senator Tracy is backing legislation aimed at returning siting powers to local authorities. Senate Bill 1457 proposes halting the construction of wind and solar farms within a three-mile radius of cities to prevent their encroachment on urban areas. Additionally, Senate Bill 160 seeks to return control over siting decisions for solar and wind projects to townships, aiming to protect new subdivisions and nursing homes in unincorporated regions.

"In recent years, a couple of laws wrested local siting control to fast-track solar fields in rural counties. I believe in local control, not a state siting standard that all but eliminates any local control," Tracy remarked. "This legislation makes it clear that wind and solar energy companies must get approval to locate within municipal limits."

Furthermore, Senator Tracy is sponsoring Senate Bill 23, which mandates performance audits by the Illinois Auditor General for solar energy companies. The audits aim to pre-empt underperformance or bankruptcies that could leave consumers financially burdened.

"My office has heard from several constituents who say solar energy companies are misleading the public, or ask what they can do when a company goes out of business," she said. "The most common complaint is that the utility bill savings are not what was promised, or the contractor failed to install or repair the panels due to bankruptcy."

Senate Bill 23 specifies that in calendar years 2025, 2030, 2035, 2040, and 2045, performance audits will be conducted on programs administered by the Illinois Power Agency as part of implementing the Renewable Portfolio Standard and Adjustable Block Program under the Illinois Power Agency Act. These audits will include physical inspections of randomly selected solar sites funded through these programs. The Auditor General will consult with energy experts during this process and may employ an energy consulting firm.