IL HB1420

Amends the Counties Code to explicitly authorize counties to consider public comment when making decisions about commercial wind energy facilities and commercial solar energy facilities

Adds a new subsection (q-5) to existing law governing county regulation of renewable energy facility siting

The underlying statute already requires public hearings before counties grant siting approval or special use permits for commercial wind and solar facilities, with this amendment clarifying counties' authority to factor in public input received during those hearings

Commercial wind energy facilities are defined as wind conversion facilities of 500 kilowatts or greater in total nameplate generating capacity

Commercial solar energy facilities are defined by reference to the Property Tax Code, excluding utility-scale solar projects eligible for Illinois Power Agency procurement events