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

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Thursday Aug. 7th, 2025

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Thursday Aug. 7th, 2025

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 continues his coverage...
Illinois quick hits: Cook County declares flood disaster; opt-out forms promoted; State Fair begins

Illinois quick hits: Cook County declares flood disaster; opt-out forms promoted; State Fair begins

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cook County, Chicago declare flood disaster Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle have issued respective disaster...
Doudna Logo

Doudna Fine Arts Center 2025/2026 Season Announcement

The 2025/2026 season kicks off at the end of the month! Check out everything we have in store for you. You can find the link below to buy tickets. Doudna...
Screenshot

Search for New Casey Utility Superintendent Narrows to Five Candidates

The search for Casey’s next utility superintendent is moving into its final stages, with the city narrowing a pool of 25 applicants down to five finalists. The candidates are vying...
Casey Rotary Logo.2

Daughhetee, Winnett inducted into Casey Rotary Club

Casey’s Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee (left) was inducted into the Casey Rotary Club by visiting District Assistant Governor Bill Malone at the July 29 regular...
WATCH: IL Republican pushes for TX quorum rules that Pritzker hails as ‘hero’ move

WATCH: IL Republican pushes for TX quorum rules that Pritzker hails as ‘hero’ move

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While Gov. J.B. Pritzker jokes on national TV that Illinois’ congressional maps were drawn by kindergartners, a...
Screenshot

Casey Cracks Down on Blighted Properties, Considers Parental Responsibility Ordinance

The City of Casey is intensifying its efforts to combat blight, taking formal action against a dilapidated property on East Madison Avenue and considering new measures to hold parents accountable...
Lake Land College.6

Lake Land College Invests Over $63,000 in Grammarly AI Tool to Boost Student and Staff Writing Skills

Lake Land College is making a significant investment in artificial intelligence to support academic success, with the Board of Trustees approving a two-year, $63,750 contract for a campus-wide license for...
Screenshot

Casey Faces Utility Rate Hikes Amidst Inflation and Shrinking Customer Base

Casey residents can expect to see their utility bills rise in the near future as the city grapples with the dual pressures of inflation and a declining population. During a...
Casey illinois library.1.logo graphic

What’s Happening at the Library in August?

Tuesdays, August 5, 12, 19, & 26 - 1pm is BINGO with Renee! It is FREE and no registration is required. ALL are welcome. Thursday, August 7 - At 11am...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Council Approves $33.27 Million Appropriation Plan for FY 2026

The Casey City Council on Monday gave its final approval to a $33.27 million appropriation ordinance for the 2026 fiscal year. The spending plan, which sets the legal limit for...
Cecile Stephens

Cecile Stephens

May 19, 1939 - August 2, 2025 Cecile Stephens, 86, of Belton, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on August 2, 2025, after a brief illness. She was...
lake land college.3

Lake Land College Board Approves 3% Pay Raises, New Salary Structure for Staff

Many full-time and part-time employees at Lake Land College will see a 3% salary increase starting July 1, following a vote by the Board of Trustees to approve base salary...
lake land college.1

Lake Land College Backs 12-Year Extension for Mattoon’s Midtown TIF District

The Lake Land College Board of Trustees has thrown its support behind a 12-year extension for the City of Mattoon's Midtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment Project Area, a move...
Lake Land Effingham Tech Center.1

Lake Land College Celebrates Grand Opening of New Effingham Technology Center

Lake Land College officially opened the doors to its new Effingham Technology Center on Wednesday evening, welcoming hundreds of community members to explore the 100,000-square-foot facility that represents a major...