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Residents claim they were denied the right to cross-examine Earthrise Energy during public hearings.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:04pm
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A group of more than a dozen residents in Will County, Illinois have filed a lawsuit seeking to stop a vote on a proposed 6,100-acre Earthrise solar farm. The residents claim their rights were violated because they were not allowed to cross-examine Earthrise Energy officials during a public hearing on the project. The lawsuit seeks to invalidate the previous Planning and Zoning Commission hearing and any subsequent hearings, including an upcoming April 16 county board meeting where a vote is expected.
The Earthrise solar farm proposal has sparked significant backlash from neighboring residents who are concerned about the environmental and landscape impacts of the large-scale project. The lawsuit alleges that residents were denied their legal right to present evidence and question Earthrise representatives, which could invalidate the approval process if the court rules in the residents’ favor.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, claims that state and county laws require residents be given a chance to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses at a public hearing for a special use permit, such as the one requested by Earthrise. However, the residents’ attorney, Steve Becker, said he was denied the opportunity to conduct cross-examination and introduce evidence on behalf of his clients during the March 30 public hearing. Becker said he was only given 5 minutes to speak during public comment, which he argued was not enough time for meaningful cross-examination.
An attorney representing 16 residents who filed the lawsuit against Will County.
The company proposing the 6,100-acre solar farm project near Manhattan, Illinois.
An attorney representing Earthrise Energy.
The county commission that held a public hearing and voted on the Earthrise solar farm proposal.
The county governing body that is expected to vote on the Earthrise solar farm proposal on April 16.
“I want the record to reflect that I have been denied the opportunity to conduct cross-examination and to introduce evidence on behalf of my clients.”
— Steve Becker, Attorney representing residents
“There’s no way to conduct any type of meaningful cross-examination in five minutes. It’s constitutionally preposterous.”
— Steve Becker, Attorney representing residents
“Becker was granted the same opportunity as other residents to answer questions.”
— Ben Jacobi, Attorney representing Earthrise Energy
The Will County Board is expected to vote on the Earthrise solar farm proposal on April 16.
This lawsuit highlights the tensions between renewable energy development and local community concerns, as well as the importance of ensuring residents have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the public review process for major projects that could impact their neighborhoods.
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