Public News Service | Judith Ruiz-Branch, December 26, 2025
As Illinois looks to progress its clean energy goals in 2026, rural residents are speaking out about how past projects continue to benefit their communities.
David Helper, a retired chiropractor and former member of the Logan County Board, said the county was an early leader in renewable energy by adopting forward-looking wind and solar ordinances. Helper pointed out renewable energy projects now generate about $1 million annually in new property tax revenue for the county, allowing for tax cuts, major school improvements and expanded student services.
He noted the funds also paid for rural fire protection support, economic development and upgraded roads.
“I just don’t know, for our community, of any other way that could have generated that type of new revenue,” Helper emphasized. “I shudder to think of the cuts and services that would have to have been made if we didn’t develop those projects.”
Illinois will begin implementing changes included in the recently passed Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act next year. Helper added the changes will push the state toward its goal of 100% clean energy by 2050 and contribute to long-lasting benefits for communities across the state.
Despite early controversy around potential health and property tax effects, Helper explained the county has been able to strike a balance between community protections and developer viability.
“We had asked the Logan County Health Department to advise us of any adverse health effects that the Illinois Department of Public Health attributed to proximity to a wind farm,” Helper recounted. “As of the time I left the county board, there were absolutely none.”
Helper stressed property taxes have also increased as a result of the projects. Logan County has at least three large-scale operating wind farms and additional previously approved projects are in their final planning stages. Helper underscored once they are operational, new property tax revenue will increase to $1.5 million per year.
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