With a big interest in solar development in DeWitt County and numerous hearings already in the books, County leadership believes it can do more to beef up its ordinances. 

At Monday night's DeWitt County Land Use Committee meeting, Committee Chair Buck Carter feels now that they have a few siting hearings under their belts, they need to adjust and tighten up some of the language in the County's solar ordinances - referencing cybersecurity concerns. 

Chris Hammer feels if the State of Illinois were to overrule the County's ordinance by passing their own, then all they would have to do is revert the ordinance back. But Board Chair Joe Witte points out the County is being too restrictive compared to the State's regulations in some circumstances. 

Carter believes Witte is being too conservative; however, Witte says he is trying to protect the County from potential lawsuits from solar applicants. 

The Committee agreed that Ryan would draft a document asking for an affidavit from solar applicants agreeing that they would not use parts from adversarial nations that could risk cybersecurity. This will go to the full Board for consideration later this month.