March 19, 2026
Ohio Environmental Council Statement on Denial of Crossroads Solar Project in Morrow County
For Immediate Release:
March 19, 2026
Contact:
Karlena Wallace, Communications Director
media@theoec.org 614-487-7506
Ohio Environmental Council Statement on Denial of Crossroads Solar Project in Morrow County
COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) expressed deep concern following the Ohio Power Siting Board’s (OPSB) decision to deny the Crossroads Solar project in Morrow County, a project that would have delivered clean, homegrown energy and economic investment to the region.
The Crossroads Solar project, a roughly 94-megawatt facility, underwent extensive review and was initially recommended for approval by OPSB staff, who found that it met state siting standards and served the public interest with appropriate conditions. However, the recommendation was later reversed following a local township’s non-unanimous resolution opposing the project. This approach raises serious questions about the OPSB’s interpretation of “public interest” in Ohio’s energy siting process.
The OEC shares concerns expressed by OPSB Non-Voting Member Senator Kent Smith, who stated: “As demand increases, suppliers have incentives to enter the marketplace and that keeps price down… If we’re going to deny solar the ability to compete in Ohio’s marketplace, I think that will result in an artificially high price for Ohio consumers.”
Compounding these concerns, the public comment process in this case was marred by reports of fraudulent submissions, undermining confidence in a system meant to elevate authentic community voices.
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Nolan Rutschilling, Managing Director of Energy Policy for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC):
“OEC intervened in this case to ensure that decisions are based on facts, fairness, and the long-term interests of Ohioans. 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.
“To put it plainly: Ohio needs more clean energy generation now to address soaring costs tied to data centers and geopolitical pressures on energy supply chains. Staff’s last-minute reversal on this decision creates an uncertain regulatory environment that will discourage energy developers from future investment.
“OEC will continue to advocate for a transparent, consistent, and evidence-based siting process. One that respects local perspectives while also recognizing the statewide need for affordable, reliable, and clean energy.”
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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) protects the environment and health of all Ohio communities through legal and policy advocacy, decision-maker accountability, and civic engagement.
