Proposed regulations could put a stop to a major Michiana solar project

SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The Saint Joseph County Area Plan Commission gave a favorable recommendation today, June 18, to tighten regulations that could directly threaten the Dumont Solar Project in North Liberty.

The biggest change would require large scale solar energy systems to get a special use from the County, which would mean that instead of being able to build on farmland without public input, these developments would need to go through two public meetings and get permission to build. 

The North Liberty Solar Project has already secured two-dozen lease agreements from local landowners to build.

 "It seems I have property rights when I harvest corn, soybeans and wheat. I want to now harvest sunlight too. Please give me the property right to do that. This is all about property rights," says one local farmer.

The new regulations still need to be approved by the County Council at its July 9 meeting.