As large-scale solar developments continue to expand across Illinois, State Senator Erica Harriss is working to make sure taxpayers aren’t left paying the price when those projects are damaged, abandoned, or reach the end of their lifespan.
Senate Bill 3953 would require companies seeking to construct commercial solar facilities to secure a surety bond before receiving county approval. The bond must be sufficient to cover the full cost of decommissioning the facility and address any environmental damage caused during construction or operation.
“Taxpayers should not be forced to clean up after private energy companies,” said Senator Harriss. “This legislation ensures that those who profit from these developments are also responsible for properly maintaining and ultimately removing them.”
The proposal builds on legislation Senator Harriss passed last year, signed into law as Public Act 104-0150, which strengthened financial assurance requirements for oil and gas operators in Illinois. That law requires operators to secure surety bonds to cover the costs of plugging wells and restoring sites, helping prevent abandoned wells from becoming a financial burden on taxpayers.
“Whether it’s oil wells or solar fields, the principle is the same – if you build it, you clean it up,” said Senator Harriss. “We’ve already taken action to protect taxpayers from the costs of abandoned oil wells, and now we’re applying that same standard to large-scale solar developments.”
As utility-scale solar projects expand across Illinois, concerns have grown about long-term maintenance and cleanup. Recent severe weather events have left some solar farms damaged, raising questions about responsibility and response if projects are not properly maintained or are abandoned.
SB3953 would ensure financial safeguards are in place before construction begins, reducing the risk that counties or taxpayers will be left managing damaged or defunct facilities and helping ensure land can be restored for future use.
“Local communities deserve certainty that these projects won’t become long-term liabilities,” said Senator Harriss. “This is a commonsense step to protect farmland, the environment, and taxpayers.”
Senate Bill 3953 is currently awaiting committee assignment.
