Lawsuit seeks to stop vote on Earthrise solar farm in Will County

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 highly textured abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric shapes and organic spirals in muted green, brown, and blue tones, conveying the intricate scientific and environmental concepts surrounding the proposed Earthrise solar farm project.A conceptual illustration of the complex environmental and community factors at play in the debate over the proposed Earthrise solar farm in Will County.Manhattan Today

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.

Why it matters

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 details

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.

  • The public hearing was held on March 30.
  • The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 against recommending approval of the project on March 31.
  • The Will County Land Use Committee deadlocked in a 3-3 vote on April 2, moving the project on to the county board without a recommendation.
  • The Will County Board is expected to vote on the Earthrise solar farm on April 16.

The players

Steve Becker

An attorney representing 16 residents who filed the lawsuit against Will County.

Earthrise Energy

The company proposing the 6,100-acre solar farm project near Manhattan, Illinois.

Ben Jacobi

An attorney representing Earthrise Energy.

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission

The county commission that held a public hearing and voted on the Earthrise solar farm proposal.

Will County Board

The county governing body that is expected to vote on the Earthrise solar farm proposal on April 16.

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What they’re saying

“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

What’s next

The Will County Board is expected to vote on the Earthrise solar farm proposal on April 16.

The takeaway

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.