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

U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear veteran's benefits challenge

U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear veteran’s benefits challenge

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Monday to hear an Army veteran's challenge over reduced disability benefits. The court agreed to hear Johnson v. United...
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Illinois public transport gun ban

Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Illinois public transport gun ban

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to decide whether individuals can carry firearms on public transportation. The court declined to take up Schoenthal v....
Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center 'taxed out of business'

Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center ‘taxed out of business’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Sunset Lanes in Pekin is set to close later this month as the bowling center’s owner says it is being “taxed...
Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin

Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin

By Jon StyfThe Center Square Wisconsin congressman and candidate for governor Tom Tiffany said that he will “end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin” if he becomes governor. Tiffany was...
Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing

Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposed Illinois bill aimed at addressing firefighter shortages by lowering the minimum hiring age has...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Adopts Business District Redevelopment Program Alongside Local Grant Initiatives

City of Casey City Council Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council formally adopted a Business District Redevelopment Program on Monday, advancing local commercial initiatives while...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Tri-Valley Outlasts Casey-Westfield 11-9 in High-Scoring Tournament Clash

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team engaged in an offensive shootout on Saturday morning, falling 11-9 to Tri-Valley in a neutral-site tournament matchup at the Rantoul Sports Complex. Despite a strong...
clark county sheriff graphic

Clark County Sheriff’s Office Issues Warning Over Fake Parking Violation Text Scam

Article Summary: The Clark County Sheriff's Office is alerting residents about a new text messaging scam where individuals receive fraudulent notices regarding parking violations. Authorities are urging the public not...
Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill

Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill

By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposal aimed at helping local governments manage retiree health care costs is drawing differing views...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Calumet Christian Uses Late Surge to Defeat Casey-Westfield 5-3

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team suffered a hard-fought 5-3 defeat to Calumet Christian in a neutral-site tournament game on Friday. Despite a strong defensive effort and holding the lead through...
Clark County Graphic.6

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Clark County Board for February 20, 2026

Clark County Board Meeting | February 20, 2026 Overall Meeting Summary:The Clark County Board met on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Clark County Courthouse to tackle a heavy agenda...
Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’

Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A few days after agreeing to let them proceed with their class action against one of America's most prominent charities under labor...
Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending

Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As homeownership may be growing out of reach for many young residents, Illinois lawmakers are split between...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago city workers reportedly owe more than $19 million in traffic tickets, water bills and fines, yet...
Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban

Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois’ ban on conversion therapy may be challenged in the near future. Last week, the U.S. Supreme...