Three Union Locals representing Fairfield County workers responded to the Ohio Power of Siting Board (OPSB) approval on Thursday, August 21, 2025, of Eastern Cottontail, A 220W utility-scale solar project developed by EDF Power Solutions. A three-trade union agreement is in place with the developer EDF Power Solutions and will create up to 500 construction jobs for local workers.
With the project’s approval in place, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 683, the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 423, and the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 18, will be tasked with constructing the project and advancing Ohio’s energy infrastructure, ultimately strengthening the grid and reliability for Ohioans.
“Today’s OPSB hearing is a big step forward for Fairfield County. This project means hundreds of construction jobs, and hundreds more supported across the local supply chain. The project is also set to bring in nearly $1.98 million in annual tax revenue each year for our community, including schools and first responder programs,” said Pat Hook, Business Manager of IBEW Local 683. “At up to 220 megawatts, this project can power roughly 42,000 homes and deliver the reliable electricity Ohio businesses expect and manufacturing facilities and data centers need. We’re proud to stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Eastern Cottontail’s developer, EDF Power Solutions, and our trade partners to build this the right way with skilled Ohio labor. Now, let’s get to work.”
“Laborers’ Local 423 is ready to build the backbone of this project alongside our IBEW and Operators partners,” said Bob McCaskill, Business Manager of LiUNA Local 423. “ Eastern Cottontail is exactly the kind of homegrown investment that keeps our skilled workers close to home and keeps our manufacturing economy competitive. We support OPSB approval and look forward to getting to work with EDF and our three‑trades on day one.”
“We will bring the skill and precision this community expects to the Eastern Cottontail project,” said Kip Siesel, Business Representative of IUOE Local 18. “Agrivoltaics – a practice that combines solar panel installations with agricultural land use – demonstrates that we can respect farmland while delivering the reliable power our region needs for homes, small businesses, and growth. We’re thrilled with the OPSB approval today. We’re ready to work with Ohio labor to make sure the Eastern Cottontail project is done right.”