Ogalla Blasts New State Solar Legislation

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | December 2025

Article Summary: During a discussion on zoning matters, Will County Board Member Judy Ogalla strongly criticized the passage of Senate Bill 25, which limits county authority over renewable energy projects. Ogalla described the legislation as “disgusting” and unfair to other developers.

Solar Legislation Key Points:

• Senate Bill 25: New state legislation passed by the General Assembly waiting for the Governor’s signature.

• Impact: The bill restricts county zoning powers regarding battery storage, geothermal, wind, and solar projects.

• County Response: Will County will have 120 days to update its zoning ordinances and fee schedules to comply once signed.

• Criticism: Officials argue the state ignored county input and is granting special privileges to the solar industry.

Will County Board Member Judy Ogalla issued a sharp rebuke of state lawmakers on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, regarding the passage of Senate Bill 25, legislation that further restricts local control over renewable energy developments.

During the Land Use and Development Committee meeting, staff informed the board that the bill had passed the General Assembly and would require the county to update its zoning codes and fee schedules within 120 days of being signed by the Governor.

Ogalla, who sits on the county’s solar and wind committee, expressed frustration that recommendations provided by counties across the state were ignored.

“They didn’t listen to anything we had to say,” Ogalla said. “They said, ‘Oh, this is what they want, but we’re going to do completely the opposite. We’re going to take more powers away from them.'”

Ogalla criticized the legislation for giving the solar industry “special considerations” not afforded to other developers, specifically noting that large, non-contiguous solar projects spread across multiple townships are allowed to file under a single special use permit fee.

“It is really disgusting that they’re getting these extra privileges because it’s not fair to other developers,” Ogalla said.

She also raised concerns about the conduct of solar companies, citing instances where developers allegedly drove trucks onto leased farmland to conduct soil borings without notifying the farmers, damaging standing crops. She urged staff to look for ways to maximize allowable fees and enforce strict regulations within the narrow scope left to the county.

“We’re the ones who take all the heat for this,” Ogalla said. “The state just lives their life down in Springfield.”