Champaign County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Talebi issued the following press release:
On May 19, 2026, Hillclimber Solar, LLC, withdrew its pending application for a solar permit before the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB), Case No 25-0904-EL-BGN, without prejudice.
“I am very pleased with the dismissal of the application, and I am very pleased that we have been able to safeguard the character of our community consistent with the vision of our Township Trustees and our Board of County Commissioners.” – Kevin Talebi
The Champaign County Prosecutor’s Office, on behalf of both the Urbana Township Board of Trustees and the Champaign County Board of Commissioners, intervened in the case before the OPSB asserting our unique positions as the local public entities where the proposed project was to be sited.
Each public entity, after intervening, passed legislation unanimously opposing the solar project and forwarded the legislation to the OPSB.
On May 8, 2026, the Staff of the OPSB recommended that the Hillclimber Solar Project be denied as it was contrary to the public interest, convenience and necessity. The Staff pointed to the unanimous opposition by the Township Trustees and the Board of County Commissioners. The Staff also noted the restrictions and limitations implemented pursuant to SB 52, as passed by the State Legislature in October of 2021.
A local public hearing was held on May 13, 2026, in the Champaign County Community Center with overwhelming opposition to the project by people living within or near the project area.
The next step in the application process was the scheduled evidentiary hearing set for May 26, 2026. That evidentiary hearing has since been cancelled due to the Applicant’s withdrawal of the project.
“As County Prosecutor my office expended the necessary time and resources to defend the position of our Trustees and Commissioners in opposition of the solar project. I am proud of the role my office played in defending our ability to have local control of such projects and to maintain self-rule consistent with the principles established by SB52.” – Kevin Talebi
