Spark Alerts: April 11, 2025

Note: This is a proof of concept for Spark Alerts, focusing on utility-scale solar news and policy updates in Illinois and Texas. Please help us improve by sharing your feedback with us!

📰 Market & Development News

Illinois

• 4/10- LaSalle County passed a resolution asserting its right to control siting for large renewable energy projects, and is urging the state to repeal a law stripping counties of that authority.

• 4/10- Champaign County held a public hearing for an SUP on a 135-MW solar project on agricultural land by BayWa r.e.

• 4/10- DeWitt County is considering establishing a battery energy system ordinance.

Texas

• 4/10- Vesper Energy’s 600-MW Hornet Solar project in Swisher County is on track to come online in July 2025.

• 4/10- A Texas bill passed the Senate approving new regulations for residential solar companies. It will now move to the House.

• 4/7- Stonewall County approved a 5,000-acre solar project by Swenson Solar, saying it would benefit the county.

📢 Policy & Programs

Texas

• SB819- Solar Fees and Regulations

  • Proposes new solar administrative rules, imposes fees for projects, and requires the PUC to approve wind and solar projects before they can begin construction.

  • Introduced in Senate 2/7.

  • UPDATE- Senate Business Committee reported favorably on 4/9, will move to full Senate vote.

• HB3278- Solar Energy Study

  • Establishes a study by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on solar and wind’s environmental, economic, and infrastructure implications.

  • Introduced in House 3/20.

  • UPDATE- State Affairs Committee public hearing held 4/9.

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