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

Donald-Maxey-1750352075

Donald Lee “Don” Maxey

Donald Lee “Don” Maxey, age 61, of Martinsville, IL, passed away at 1:51 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at his residence. He was born December 1, 1963, in Terre...
Keith-Wattleworth-1750430743

Keith Richard Wattleworth

Keith Richard Wattleworth, a lifelong farmer and resident of Yale, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home of 56 years on June 18, 2025. He was 90 years old. Keith...
The Casey Rotary Club celebrated its 100th Anniversary on June 17, 2025, during the weekly meeting at Richards Farm. District Governor Mike Martin of Mattoon joined the group to present a certificate to President Marcy Mumford. The actual Charter Anniversary date was January 26, 1925. Present at Tuesday’s luncheon were (front, l to r) Marcy Mumford, Shane Todd, Sharon Durham, Joyce Shore, Megan Peavler, and Brian Hancock; (back) Chris Overbeck, Wendy Navel, Kurt Squires, Jay Markwell, Mike Martin, Gary Shore, and Aaron Stinson. Not present were Christopher Snedeker and John Murphy. —photo by Chuck Ayres.

Casey Rotary Club celebrated its 100th Anniversary

The Casey Rotary Club celebrated its 100th Anniversary on June 17, 2025, during the weekly meeting at Richards Farm. District Governor Mike Martin of Mattoon joined the group to present...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Approves Utility Rate Increases, Joins Regional Land Bank Authority

Casey residents will see increases in water, sewer and electric rates following Monday's City Council meeting, as the city works to address ongoing budget challenges in its utility departments. The...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Council Considers Hotel Feasibility Study to Attract Development

Casey may commission a $15,000 hotel market feasibility study as the city explores bringing new lodging options to the community. Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee presented the proposal to the...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

Casey City Council Meeting Briefs

Freedom Fest Planning Underway: Casey's Freedom Fest is scheduled for July 4-5 with events in Fairview Park. Friday's schedule includes an antique tractor pull at 10 a.m. and Saturday features...
City Council Part 1

City Council Meeting Video Part 1

https://youtu.be/bWEJPtq8Qh0?si=YzFeP3sk_tT3x111
City Council Part 2

City Council Meeting Video Part 2

https://youtu.be/6X23vHI3_D4?si=dXRZcsNn0oGW6wWN
Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic.3

Casey-Westfield Dominates Dakota 10-0 Behind Goble’s Complete Game Shutout

Casey-Westfield bounced back from a heartbreaking semifinal loss with a dominant 10-0 third-place victory over Dakota June 7th, ending their exceptional season on a high note behind Ava Goble's complete...

About Casey Local

Community-Focused & Engaging About Casey Local: Keeping Casey Informed, Connected & Collaborative! Hello, Casey! Casey Local is your dedicated local news and information source, built to bring our community closer together...

About Us!

About Casey's Big Things: Your Pocket Guide to Casey! Welcome to Casey, Illinois, the small town with BIG surprises! We created Casey's Big Things to be your ultimate companion as you explore...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Approves Major Park Recreation Project, Hires Firm to Find New Utilities Chief

The Casey City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive park recreation project costing up to $339,041.78 at Monday's meeting, moving forward with improvements that will enhance the city's recreational facilities. City...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey in Action Secures $40,000 Grant for Park Walking Path

Casey in Action received a $40,000 grant from the Lumpkin Foundation to support the second phase of a walking path project in the city park, representatives told the City Council...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

Casey Council Briefs

Economic Development Initiatives: The Economic Development Committee met May 8 to discuss several initiatives including a Tourism Director position, Freedom Fest planning, a Business District Grant program, and participation in...
Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic.2

Warriors Advance to Face Red Devils on 14-Game Win Streak

The Casey-Westfield Warriors will face the Sesser-Valier/Waltonville Red Devils at 4:30 p.m. Monday, riding a 14-game winning streak into the playoff matchup. Casey-Westfield advanced with a 1-0 shutout victory over...