ALTON - The first of the Fall 2026 Piasa Palisades Group Speaker’s Series will be held on September 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Bakery Beer Co. in Alton, IL. The public is invited for an in-depth discussion on the benefits and challenges to local communities of adding utility-scale solar to the state’s energy mix. Speakers will discuss the impressive grid support offered by Battery Energy Storage Systems and innovative projects from around the state.
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Three speakers will lead an engaging evening: Reverend Cindy Shepherd with Faith in Place, Kevin McKee solar energy specialist with the Metro East Green Alliance, and Sally Burgess, the Sierra Club Chapter’s Downstate Advocacy Director.
"Solar Farms allow us to produce homegrown power and battery storage lets us save it for when it's needed most. Cindy Shepherd and Kevin McKee will address many of the questions and concerns they have heard in other communities and are looking forward to engaging in a productive conversation with our community,” said Sally Burgess.
Bring your questions about land use, the safety of battery systems and other inquiries you would like to explore.
About Sierra Club Illinois
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.8 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information about Sierra Club’s work in Illinois, visit www.sierraclub.org/illinois.
