In a recent Based in Lafayette piece, Solar advocates gear up, rally support with utility-scale zoning changes in the works, Dave Bangert covered two interesting updates in development around Tippecanoe County:
- National 501(c)4 nonprofit, Solar United Neighbors, ramps up its efforts to persuade, change, and influence
- Judge Persin granting John Burgett’s request to participate in the SK Hynix lawsuit, but not in pretrial matters
Solar United Neighbors
The outside pressure and education campaign from Solar United Neighbors has been growing:
[Erin] Charpentier said the campaign is timed to the county’s ongoing study meant to rework the local solar ordinances.
“What I found out talking to people is there are a lot of people who don’t know about the moratorium, have only heard snippets about Rainbow Trout and don’t know much about what’s gone on,” Charpentier said. “We’re trying to combat the lack of awareness about it and any misinformation to educate and empower the community and then come out of this moratorium with a solar ordinance that will allow for best practice-based solar builds.”
What if the framing of the question is around the loss of agricultural land and not how to construct best practice-based solar builds? Once you develop the land, it will be near impossible to reclaim and work it as agricultural.
Phthor Quiddity – 2025-12-28
Even if Dave had not done a few Rainbow Trout/SK Hynix doubleheaders, it would be hard to avoid comparing the projects. The solar project is so much simpler, with obvious benefits, and few if any (rational) concerns, but it is opposed by a small group of people, who would fit comfortably on a short bus, that have had unaccountable successes. They have no business being part of the current court case. I do not know the number opposed to the chip factory but am certain it is an order of magnitude more people. Geenex and RWE seem much more open and accommodating of public opinion than the secretive and manipulative PRF/SK, yet they are having much harder sledding. That alone sends a terrible message about how development will be done in this county. I am no fan of NIMBYism but it is shameful how huge dollars have propelled one of these projects despite loud public objections.
My response to Phthor:
Thanks, Phthor. My understanding is that to build the Rainbow Trout solar project, a rezone or special exception is needed. It isn’t a by-right development and is handled on a case by case basis.
There were at least 70 letters in opposition and 2 in favor for the ABZA hearing in August.
https://www.tippecanoe.in.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272025-2342
What arguments do you find to be valid for those who oppose? What framework do you prefer over NIMBYism?
From the APC Agenda and Staff report:
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Petitioner, on behalf of seven property owners and represented by Ryan C. Munden of RTS Law, requests a special exception to allow for a large-scale solar energy system (SIC 49) operating 24 hours per day, 7 days per week in the AW and AA zones. Spanning a total of 1,741.5 acres, the proposed installation is located in Shelby Township sections 5, 6, 7, 8 23N-5W and also sections 12, 13, 14, 23, 24 23N-6W cuzo 3-2-6). Continued by petitioner from June 25, 2025 ABZA hearing (first continuance). 72 letters received: two in favor, 70 opposed.
The request places a large-scale solar energy system operations 24/7 in AW and AA zones, surrounded by RE (Rural Estate), A, and R1 zones.
There also haven’t been any BZA cases in the past decae for this area of Tippecanoe County.
The project is scoped to cover 1700+ acres (excluding flood plains), which is approximately 0.77% of the total land in Tippecanoe County. “No other single project has encompassed this much acreage.”
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How many solar energy system acres would you like to see in Tippecanoe County, Phthor? How many would you like to see for farming?
