Committee divided on advancing Will County solar farm amid pushback

Steve Matter, left, 70, and wife DiAnn Matter, 68, both of Joliet, sit in the audience during a Will County Land Use and Development Committee meeting discussing a proposed solar farm at the Renaissance Center in Joliet, April 2, 2026. (Josh Boland/baiduhai)

Attendees hold signs against a proposed solar farm during a Will County Land Use and Development Committee meeting at the Renaissance Center in Joliet, April 2, 2026. (Josh Boland/baiduhai)

An attendee reacts during a Will County Land Use and Development Committee meeting at the Renaissance Center in Joliet, April 2, 2026. (Josh Boland/baiduhai)

Thomas Becker, chairman of the Green Garden Township Watershed Committee, speaks during a Will County Land Use and Development Committee meeting April 2, 2026, at the Renaissance Center in Joliet. (Josh Boland/baiduhai)

Rob Kalbouss, left, development director at Earthrise Energy, speaks with attorney Benjamin Jacobi at a Will County Land Use and Development Committee meeting at the Renaissance Center in Joliet, April 2, 2026. (Josh Boland/baiduhai)

Residents opposing the Earthrise Pride of the Prairie solar farm project hold up signs during a meeting before the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission at the Renaissance Center in Joliet, March 30, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)

Members of the public pack the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission hearing for the Earthrise Energy Pride of the Prairie solar farm project, at the Renaissance Center in Joliet, March 30, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)

LiUNA Laborers' Local 75 members attend the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission hearing in support of for the Earthrise Energy Pride of the Prairie solar farm project, at the Renaissance Center in Joliet, March 30, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)

Residents opposing Earthrise Energy's Pride of the Prairie solar farm project speak out during a hearing before the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission at the Renaissance Center in Joliet on March 30, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)

Residents opposing the Earthrise Pride of the Prairie solar farm project hold signs during a meeting before the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission at the Renaissance Center in Joliet, March 30, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)