Richland County Voters to Decide Fate of Wind and Solar Ban on May 5
Richland County residents will vote May 5 on whether to overturn commissioners’ ban on wind and solar projects in 11 townships.
MANSFIELD, OHIO — Richland County voters will decide whether to overturn a ban on large-scale wind and solar projects on May 5, with voting closing at 7:30 p.m.
The referendum follows a July 2025 decision by the county’s three commissioners to ban renewable energy projects in 11 of the county’s 18 townships. The decision surprised many residents and led to opposition from those concerned about economic development and property rights.
Citizens Group Mobilizes Opposition
After the commissioners’ decision, residents formed the Richland County Citizens for Property Rights and Job Development to challenge the restriction. The group faced the challenge of collecting thousands of in-person signatures within 30 days to place the clean energy ban on the 2026 primary election ballot.
Their petition drive succeeded, leading to next week’s referendum. Over the past several months, the citizens group has conducted voter education efforts, including town halls and door-to-door canvassing throughout the county.
How the Vote Works
The ballot question asks voters whether the county should keep its ban on most solar and wind farms or remove the restriction to allow clean energy projects. A majority of “yes” votes will preserve the ban, while a majority of “no” votes will overturn it.
Early voting opened last week in the rural county located between Cleveland and Columbus. The referendum allows residents to vote directly on renewable energy policy in their community.
Part of Broader National Trend
The Richland County situation reflects a national trend of local restrictions on solar and wind energy projects. According to research data, such local restrictions increased by 16% from June 2024 to June 2025 across the United States.
The outcome in Richland County could influence how other rural communities approach renewable energy development, particularly in Ohio where agricultural and energy interests often intersect. Supporters of overturning the ban argue that renewable energy projects can provide additional income streams for farmers and landowners while contributing to local tax revenue.
The May 5 primary election will determine whether Richland County maintains its restrictive stance on renewable energy or opens the door to wind and solar development in the majority of its townships.
