April 20, 2020

1,400-Acre Solar Farm Proposed In Northwestern Indiana

Associated Press
1,400-Acre Solar Farm Proposed In Northwestern Indiana

CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) — Plans for a solar energy farm on 1,400 acres in northwestern Indiana have won the backing of local officials.

The Lake County Council voted 6-1 to support a zoning change that would allow construction of the estimated $200 million project in a rural area, about 20 miles south of Gary.

Chicago-based Invenergy has proposed the 200-megawatt solar panel farm to produce enough electricity for more than 40,000 homes. Construction is scheduled to start in 2022, with the farm becoming operational in 2024.

The county planning commission will need to conduct a public hearing on zoning changes that would permit large solar installations, instead of only the small residential or agricultural solar power currently allowed.

Councilwoman Christine Cid of East Chicago said she supports solar energy but voted no because she believes a more comprehensive review is needed for such a large project.

Tags:solar energyLake County
Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

 

Related News

NCAA changes transgender policy to limit women's competition to athletes assigned female at birth
Public Affairs / February 7, 2025

NCAA changes transgender policy to limit women's competition to athletes assigned female at birth

The NCAA has changed its participation policy for transgender athletes, limiting competition in women’s sports to athletes assigned female at birth. The change came on day after President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports. The NCAA’s revised policy permits athletes assigned male at birth to practice with women’s teams and receive benefits such as medical care while practicing. The policy is effective immediately and applies to all athletes regardless of previous eligibility reviews.
Read More
Senate Republicans advance bill to ban use of student IDs when voting
Public Affairs / February 6, 2025

Senate Republicans advance bill to ban use of student IDs when voting

A bill headed to the House would ban the use of student IDs to verify a person’s identity when voting.
Read More
Housing advocates saw promise in a new evictions bill. Now they aren’t sure.
Public Affairs / February 4, 2025

Housing advocates saw promise in a new evictions bill. Now they aren’t sure.

Housing advocates saw promise in a bill that would make it easier for renters to get some evictions sealed from their record. But they aren’t nearly as excited now after legislators in the Indiana Senate made a key change to the Republican-authored bill. Some worry the legislation wouldn’t make much of a difference at all.
Read More