Bill > SB0160

This bill amends the Township Code to provide townships with expanded authority to regulate commercial wind and solar energy facilities. The bill defines a "commercial solar energy facility" as a solar energy system as defined in the Property Tax Code, excluding certain utility-scale solar projects, and a "commercial wind energy facility" as a wind energy conversion facility with at least 500 kilowatts of total nameplate generating capacity. Townships are granted broad regulatory powers, including the ability to use all zoning powers and potentially prohibit such facilities entirely. The bill establishes a hierarchy of regulatory authority, stipulating that township regulations for these facilities will prevail over county regulations, but municipal regulations will take precedence over township regulations. Additionally, the bill makes conforming changes to the Renewable Energy Facilities Agricultural Impact Mitigation Act, which now requires solar and wind energy facility owners to submit deconstruction plans and financial assurances to counties or townships, and to enter into agricultural impact mitigation agreements that address land restoration, property damage, and other environmental considerations. The legislation aims to provide local governments with more control over the development of renewable energy infrastructure while ensuring proper agricultural land preservation and mitigation.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=160&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104