Champaign County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Talebi has formally filed objections to the proposed Hillclimber Solar Project with the Ohio Power Siting Board.
The objections were submitted on January 12, 2026, on behalf of both the Urbana Township Board of Trustees and the Champaign County Board of Commissioners.
“The County Commissioners have taken action to restrict areas where wind and solar facilities can be located consistent with Scnate Bill 52 (SB52). It is our position that the solar project proposed by Hillclimber Solar is not exempt from the requirements of SB52 and the application as submitted should be rejected by the Ohio Power Siting Board.Our state legislature has made it clear that local governmental agencies are in the best position to decide what projects are most suitable for their communities. The Champaign County Board of Commissioncrs passed a resolution on November 20, 2025, specifically prohibiting the construction of this proposed solar facility. As County Prosecutor, I have filed objections with the Ohio Power Siting Board noting Hillclimber Solar LLC’s non-compliance with the restrictions imposed by the Board of Commissioners.I will expend the necessary resources of my office to protect our community’s ability to maintain self-rule and preserve local control regarding the approval of utility projects consistent with the principals established by SB52.”– Kevin Talebi
