Board Approves Moonshine Solar Decommissioning Deal Exceeding State Minimum

Spread the love

Clark County Board Meeting | April 17, 2026

Article Summary: The Clark County Board on Friday, April 17, 2026, approved a decommissioning agreement for the Moonshine Solar project under which the developer will post 100% financial assurance beginning at the building permit stage — well ahead of the state statutory schedule. The agreement is to be re-evaluated every five years at the developer’s cost.

Moonshine Solar Decommissioning Key Points:

  • The board approved the Moonshine Solar decommissioning agreement resolution, carried on the agenda as Resolution 2026-R02.
  • Attorney Andrew Keyt said state statute requires only 10% financial assurance for the first six years, 50% through year 11, and 100% thereafter. Moonshine has agreed to post 100% from the building permit stage.
  • The agreement is to be re-evaluated every five years, at a cost to the developer.
  • The vote was unanimous among members present.

CLARK COUNTY — The Clark County Board on Friday, April 17, 2026, approved a decommissioning agreement for the Moonshine Solar project that requires the developer to post full financial assurance years earlier than state law demands.

Andrew Keyt, the attorney representing the county on wind and solar ordinances and projects, updated the board on the resolution before the vote. Keyt said the Moonshine project is getting close to starting and will need a building permit in the future. One of the requirements imposed on the project was to have a decommissioning plan and financial assurance.

Under the state statute’s minimum requirement, Keyt said, a developer only has to post 10% for the first six years, then 50% up to year 11, and after that 100%. Moonshine has agreed to post 100% from the building permit stage. Keyt told the board the agreement is favorable to the county, and that it will be re-evaluated every five years, at a cost to the developer.

The minutes do not record the dollar amount of the financial assurance, the size or location of the project, the name of the developer, or the form the assurance will take.

The motion to approve was made by board member Brandon Burkybile and seconded by board member Mike Parsons. The chairman put the question, and upon the roll being taken all members present voted aye. Chairman Rex Goble declared the motion adopted. The minutes note an attachment to the item; the attachment was not included in the materials available for this report.

Decommissioning plans and financial assurance requirements generally govern how a solar site is removed and the land restored once a project reaches the end of its life, and how the money to do that work is guaranteed in advance.

The Moonshine project surfaced a second time later in the meeting. Under new and old business during the highway discussion, County Engineer Dallas Richardson told the board that the Moonshine Solar Farm road repairs were having the culverts delivered that day, so that work would be starting soon. The minutes carry no further detail on the road repairs — no cost, no roads named, and no schedule.

The board’s action on the Moonshine agreement came the same morning it tabled amended solar and wind ordinances on its attorney’s advice, and heard from a second developer that a new solar special use application is coming within the month. The minutes do not describe any relationship between the Moonshine project and those matters.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Theis abruptly retires from IL Supreme Court; Tailor to replace

Theis abruptly retires from IL Supreme Court; Tailor to replace

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois will have a new state Supreme Court justice at the end of January, after Justice Mary Jane Theis announced her sudden...
Colorado expands lawsuit over alleged Trump retaliation

Colorado expands lawsuit over alleged Trump retaliation

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is pushing back on what his office labeled an “unmistakable campaign of punishment” by the Trump administration against the state....
California leads suit to preserve U.S. Department of Education

California leads suit to preserve U.S. Department of Education

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square California Attorney General Rob Bonta, leading a massive multi-state coalition, has expanded a legal challenge against the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department...
WATCH: Arizona governor's State of State stresses economy

WATCH: Arizona governor’s State of State stresses economy

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is making affordability her top priority this year. The Democratic governor made the announcement Monday afternoon in her State of the...
Judiciary Comm. to take on bill targeting lawsuit investors

Judiciary Comm. to take on bill targeting lawsuit investors

By John O’Brien | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The House Judiciary Committee is set to consider action against companies that invest in American lawsuits – an often-lucrative arrangement that encourages...
Trump announces 25% tariff on nations doing business with Iran

Trump announces 25% tariff on nations doing business with Iran

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump on Monday said any nation that does business with Iran will face a 25% tariff on imports as massive protests in the...
Boston, Seattle, Madison top list of best cities for students

Boston, Seattle, Madison top list of best cities for students

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Access to high-quality education remains a top priority for many families, and a new study suggests strong academic performance often goes hand in hand with...
Illinois congressman hails health care win, experts question Senate path, costs

Illinois congressman hails health care win, experts question Senate path, costs

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman praised a bipartisan House vote extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, framing the...
GOP senator wants budget transparency; Dems describe open process

GOP senator wants budget transparency; Dems describe open process

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Illinois state senators return to Springfield, Democrats and Republicans disagree over the level of transparency in...

WATCH: Illinois sues over public safety tactics around immigration enforcement

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois is suing the Trump administration, alleging the tactics being used to enforce public safety around immigration...
Illinois voices collide as Trump’s Maduro arrest fuels war powers debate

Illinois voices collide as Trump’s Maduro arrest fuels war powers debate

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has triggered a constitutional debate over executive power, dividing...
Illinois Supreme Court justice to retire

Illinois Supreme Court justice to retire

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Cetner Square) – Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis has announced her retirement from the Illinois Supreme Court, effective...
Bridge payment a ‘bandage,’ Illinois farmers say

Bridge payment a ‘bandage,’ Illinois farmers say

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois corn grower says the $12 billion taxpayer funded bridge payment the Trump administration announced will...
Even with new rule, Illinois lawmakers could restrict inmate mail scanning

Even with new rule, Illinois lawmakers could restrict inmate mail scanning

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) has a permanent rule in place for electronic mail processing, but...
WATCH: States sue over funds; DHS responds to critics; Fed responds to investigation

WATCH: States sue over funds; DHS responds to critics; Fed responds to investigation

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares recent comments...