Grundy Reporter

ECA Solar has criticized the city of Morris for initiating a lawsuit against Grundy County, a private landowner, and Gore Road Community Energy Initiative LLC, a subsidiary of ECA Solar. The legal action aims to halt a significant solar project that has already received approval through Grundy County's zoning process. This project is located in unincorporated Grundy County, beyond Morris' jurisdiction.

According to Illinois law, municipalities cannot regulate land use outside their boundaries when counties have established zoning ordinances. Todd Fryatt, Founder and CEO of ECA Solar, said, "This is reckless government overreach and a waste of taxpayer dollars." He expressed concern that Morris residents are funding litigation against a project on land not governed by the city.

Earlier this year, Illinois Circuit Court Judge Sheldon R. Sobel ruled against Morris in a similar case. Robert Middleton Esq., an attorney with ArentFox Schiff representing ECA Solar, remarked that the city's lawsuit is baseless as they lack legal authority over solar projects outside Morris.

The proposed solar initiative promises to deliver clean energy to thousands of homes in Illinois and create well-paying jobs while injecting substantial private investment into Grundy County. Amid rising electricity costs and grid strain in Illinois, this project could offer relief.

ECA Solar has questioned why the lawsuit was filed without City Council or Finance Committee approval and whether Grundy County was informed before the litigation commenced on September 4th. Fryatt commented, "This lawsuit punishes Illinois," adding that it obstructs job creation and investment while hindering efforts to reduce energy costs for families.