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

Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic

Moore Notches Double-Double, But Warriors’ Rally Stalls in Loss to OHPHS

CASEY, Ill. — The Casey-Westfield Warriors showcased a spirited second-half defensive effort and received a double-double performance from senior Lucy Moore, but a difficult shooting night ultimately proved too much to...
Fred Thomas drives hard to the rim against the Cumberland defense. Thomas finished with seven points and six rebounds in the road victory. —photo by Terri Cox

Warriors battle past Cumberland for road win

Featured Photo Caption: Fred Thomas drives hard to the rim against the Cumberland defense. Thomas finished with seven points and six rebounds in the road victory. —photo by Terri Cox...
Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic

Moore Notches Double-Double in Casey-Westfield Loss to Robinson

The Casey-Westfield Warriors faced a high-powered Robinson squad, falling 62-34 in a contest where offensive production proved difficult to match. Despite the loss, senior standout Lucy Moore delivered a commanding...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for Dec. 3, 2025

Casey City Council Meeting | Dec. 3, 2025 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Casey City Council met on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, to handle a variety of end-of-year business, headlined by the...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Council Moves to Increase Utility Reconnect Fees to Curb Non-Payment

Casey City Council Meeting | Dec. 3, 2025 Article Summary: To discourage habitual non-payment of utility bills, the Casey City Council directed the City Attorney to draft an ordinance that would...
Leighton Jones puts up a shot during a dominant first-half performance against Cisne. Jones scored a career-high 30 points, all in the first two quarters of the home opener. —photo by Terri Cox

Warriors dominate Cisne in home opener, 96-34

Featured Photo Caption: Leighton Jones puts up a shot during a dominant first-half performance against Cisne. Jones scored a career-high 30 points, all in the first two quarters of the...
Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic.2

Altamont Stifles Casey-Westfield Offense in 34-12 Victory

The Casey-Westfield Warriors struggled to find their rhythm offensively, falling to Altamont 34-12 in a defensive battle. The Warriors faced a difficult shooting night, connecting on just four field goals...
Screenshot 2025-12-04 at 4.50.42 PM

Adoption of 2025 Comprehensive Plan Sets Future Course for City of Casey

Casey City Council Meeting | Dec. 3, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey City Council formally adopted a new Comprehensive Plan, a long-range document designed to guide the city’s growth, economic development,...
candy canes on main graphic

Candy Canes on Main Marks 10th Anniversary with New Ice Rink and Expanded Festivities

CASEY, Ill. — The 10th annual Candy Canes on Main festival returns to downtown Casey this weekend, celebrating a decade of holiday tradition with the debut of an ice skating...
CWVB-LICSelections-AvaGobleAnnaKarrasMadiGelbHaleySchackmann

Lady Warriors celebrate 21-win season, honor top performers at banquet

Feature photo caption: The Lady Warriors were well-represented on the Little Illini All-Conference roster following their 21-win season. Pictured are (from left) Second Team selection Ava Goble, Honorable Mention Anna...
Warrior Nolan Clement battles for position in the paint against Effingham. Clement pulled down five rebounds and dished out six assists in the season-opening win. —photo by Terri Cox

Varsity Warriors open season with road win over Effingham; JV falls short

Featured Photo Caption: Warrior Nolan Clement battles for position in the paint against Effingham. Clement pulled down five rebounds and dished out six assists in the season-opening win. —photo by...
New online portal to track universities’ foreign funding live in 2026

New online portal to track universities’ foreign funding live in 2026

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Starting in January, American universities can more easily report foreign funding, according to the Department of Education. The federal government will launch a new foreign...
IL U.S. House candidate: drug screen expectant moms getting subsidies

IL U.S. House candidate: drug screen expectant moms getting subsidies

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A doctor running for Congress in Illinois’ 5th Congressional District says the first step to improving the...
Illinois quick hits: Ameren requests rate hike; Pearl Harbor remembrance

Illinois quick hits: Ameren requests rate hike; Pearl Harbor remembrance

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Ameren requests rate hike A year after receiving a $308.6 million electric rate hike, Ameren Illinois is asking the Illinois Commerce Commission for authority...
Sen. Mark Kelly says Trump and Hegseth can't silence him

Sen. Mark Kelly says Trump and Hegseth can’t silence him

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, spent the weekend saying he will not be silenced by the Trump administration. During televised segments Sunday on CNN and...