The Ohio Power Siting Board has denied construction of the Crossroads Solar project in Morrow County.
The decision referenced “consistent and substantial opposition to the project by the local population and as expressed through the local governmental entities.”
Legitimacy of local opposition to the project has been brought into question. Local township boards all voted to oppose the project, but reporting by Canary Media has found that public comment claiming to be from residents does not align with voter registration records. Canary Media also reports that false email addresses were provided.
The board’s opinion said those comments were not considered in their decision.
The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) released a statement following the decision, expressing disappointment and concern with the outcome.
“OEC intervened in this case to ensure that decisions are based on facts, fairness, and the long-term interests of Ohioans,” said Nolan Rutschilling, OEC's managing director of energy policy. “When objective analysis is overridden, and the volume of public input is prioritized over its substance, it weakens trust in the process and makes it harder to build the energy system Ohio needs.”
Rutschilling added that the state needs to be investing in more clean energy because of data centers and geopolitical strain on energy supply chains.
