Ohio Solar Farm Rejected Amidst Local Opposition and Renewable Energy Law Concerns
State officials last week rejected the application for a $98 million solar farm in Morrow County, marking the seventh large-scale solar facility to be blocked in Ohio since 2020. The decision highlights a growing tension between renewable energy development and local control, as well as concerns about the state’s regulatory environment for clean energy projects.
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) denied Crossroads Solar I, LLC’s proposal for the 94-megawatt facility, citing “consistent and substantial opposition to the project by the local population and as expressed through the local governmental entities.” Notably, the OPSB did not raise any technical, environmental, or engineering concerns with the project itself. Instead, the board determined the project failed to meet the requirement to serve the “public interest, convenience and necessity” given local opposition from township trustees and county commissioners. Signal Ohio and WOSU reported on the decision.
Hostile Climate for Renewable Investment
The ruling underscores what many see as a hostile climate for private renewable energy investments in Ohio. Open Road Renewables, the developer behind Crossroads Solar, has been working on the project since 2019. Company Vice President Craig Adair stated that Ohio’s laws effectively turn power siting decisions into “popularity contests,” allowing local opposition – and potentially even fabricated comments – to derail projects. Signal Ohio detailed Adair’s concerns.
Adair indicated that Open Road Renewables, which has already invested $1 billion in eight Ohio solar farms, will not pursue new projects in the state until the restrictive renewable energy laws are changed. “This is no longer a fine business proposition,” he said. The company is considering appealing the decision to the Ohio Supreme Court after requesting a formal rehearing from the OPSB.
Economic Impact and Landowner Concerns
The Crossroads Solar project was projected to generate 94 megawatts of electricity, enough to power tens of thousands of Ohio homes. Beyond energy production, the project was expected to contribute approximately $1 million annually to the local economy and create about five full-time jobs. It also would have generated an estimated $250,000 per year in property tax revenue for local governments. Signal Ohio reported on these potential economic benefits.
The decision also impacts landowners who had agreements to lease their farmland for the solar panels. Adair emphasized the challenges faced by farmers, who are increasingly seeking alternative income streams, and the loss of this opportunity.
Concerns Over Public Input and Legitimacy
The OPSB’s decision followed a public hearing in Cardington, Ohio, where 52 individuals testified, with 31 opposing and 21 supporting the project. Opponents raised concerns about potential impacts on property values, rural aesthetics, and farmland, as well as unsubstantiated claims about health and environmental risks. Signal Ohio and WOSU covered the public hearing details.
The legitimacy of some of the public comments came into question, with Open Road Renewables alleging that some submissions were “fabricated.” The company identified commenters whose identities could not be verified through public records. Whereas the OPSB acknowledged the allegations, it stated that its rules allow for anonymous public comments and did not factor the claims into its decision. Signal Ohio and WOSU reported on this issue.
Looking Ahead
Nolan Rutschilling, managing director of energy policy for the Ohio Environmental Council, expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that prioritizing the volume of public input over objective analysis weakens trust in the process and hinders the development of the energy system Ohio needs, particularly given the increasing demand from data centers and geopolitical factors. Signal Ohio reported on Rutschilling’s statement.
The OPSB recently authorized construction of an 800-megawatt natural gas-fired electric generation facility in Fayette County and a Youngstown electric transmission line on March 19, 2026. Ohio.gov provides information on these approvals.
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