FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 10, 2026

CONTACT:
Morgan Carroll, 567-307-2475
Brian McPeek, 419-632-1247

RICHLAND COUNTY, OH – Today, the Richland County Board of Elections certified
ballot language for the May 5th referendum on the County Commissioners' ban
on future large-scale solar and wind development. With ballot language now official, voters will decide whether to overturn the blanket ban across 11 townships and restore property rights. A "No" vote would overturn the ban, returning Richland County to its longstanding practice of evaluating energy projects on a case-by-case basis rather than through sweeping prohibitions. Voting "No" protects property owners' rights to make their own decisions about their land.

The "No Ban on Property Rights" campaign welcomed the finalized language and announced that grassroots efforts are already in full swing across the county. "This ban is government overreach, plain and simple. They are telling our neighbors what they can't do with their own land before anyone even gets a say," said Morgan Carroll, a local resident helping to lead campaign efforts. "But people are fired up. Volunteers are making calls and having real conversations because they know what's on the line. This is about our rights as property owners, and we're not backing down."

The campaign has drawn support from farmers, property owners, labor unions, and community members concerned about government overreach and economic competitiveness.

"Working families in Richland County need good jobs and affordable energy. This
ban threatens both," said Brian McPeek, Business Manager of IBEW Local 688. "We're seeing unprecedented demand for electricity as manufacturers expand
across Ohio. Telling energy developers that Richland County is closed for business
hurts our workers, drives up costs for families, and leaves our region behind. That's why labor is standing up for property rights and common-sense energy
policy. We are urging a No vote."

Campaign volunteers are phone banking, organizing community conversations,
and attending public events throughout the county. Voters can learn more about
the issue at nobanonpropertyrights.com.

Early voting begins April 7, 2026. Election Day is May 5, 2026.