Wind and Solar Facility Law

On January 27, 2023, Governor JB Pritzker signed P.A. 102-1123 into law. The law preempts county authority to enact local ordinances that prohibit wind and solar projects. This page is intended to serve as a resource for county officials and other interested parties seeking information about the law and the impact it has on counties and local communities.

New! Wind and Solar Facility Resident Protection Act Advocacy Materials

The Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) is pleased to share that legislation developed by our Wind and Solar Task Force has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly as House Bill 3563 and Senate Bill 2416.

This legislation—the Wind and Solar Facility Resident Protection Act—reflects a comprehensive effort to ensure counties have the authority and tools needed to protect residents, farmland, and local environments as renewable energy development expands across Illinois.

ISACo has created advocacy materials for counties to use in urging their legislators to support the bill. These resources highlight the legislation’s key provisions, including drainage review, decommissioning safeguards, zoning protections, and more.

ISACo is actively engaging with legislators and stakeholders with the goal of having some or all of the provisions included in a broader energy package expected later in the spring legislative session.

We encourage counties to join us in advocating for this important legislation. For questions or to access advocacy resources, please contact jmccoy@isacoil.org.

The advocacy materials are available below:

ISACo Position Statement for Wind and Solar Facility Resident Protection Act

Wind and Solar Facility Resident Protection Act - Explanation of Provisions

Model Letter Requesting Legislators Support HB 3563/SB 2416 (Customizable Word Format)

ISACo wind and solar legislation: HB 3563 and SB 2416.

ISACo Wind and Solar Facility Task Force

ISACo created a Wind and Solar Facility Task Force to focus on wind and solar siting and zoning issues. The intention of the Wind and Solar Facility Task Force is not to work toward repealing P.A. 102-1123, but to discuss and collect policy recommendations to provide counties with more flexibility when complying with the law. Questions about the Task Force should be directed toward Legislative Advocacy and Research Manager Nekya Hall at nhall@isacoil.org.

Task Force Membership

Pamela Althoff, Chair (McHenry County)

Matt Asselmeier (Kendall County)

Mavis Bates (Kane County)

Julie Berkowicz (Will County)

Molly Berns (Sangamon County)

Russell Crawford (Tazewell County)

Troy Krup (Winnebago County)

Judy Ogalla (Will County)

Meta Mueller (Will County)

Eric Rasmussen (Grundy County)

Katie Deane-Schlottman (Will County)