Why US counties often ban solar, wind power plants

# Why US counties often ban solar, wind power plants

Across America’s power grid, there’s a growing gap between what we need and what we’ll allow. The U.S. has set a target to reach 100% clean energy by 2035, which relies on building large-scale solar and wind power. However, a nationwide analysis by USA TODAY indicates that local governments are banning green energy at a faster rate than they are building it. This trend is evident in at least 15% of counties in the U.S., which have effectively halted new utility-scale wind, solar, or both. These limitations are imposed through outright bans, moratoriums, construction impediments, and other conditions that make it difficult to build green energy.

Despite the ongoing efforts to build green energy, the country must significantly increase its dependence on green energy over the next 11 years to meet its goals. However, building these projects is becoming increasingly challenging due to the restrictions imposed by many counties across the nation. A considerable number of counties have prevented wind development, while almost as many have blocked new solar projects. Consequently, some of the nation’s most promising areas for wind and solar power have been excluded from these developments.

The impediments are particularly problematic as large-scale solar and wind projects are typically built outside city limits. While 15% of America’s counties may seem small, this trend has significant consequences on the nation’s ability to transition to green energy. The urgency of the situation is further highlighted by the fact that 2023 was the warmest year in recorded history. The dire need for a faster transition to green energy is emphasized by experts who warn that the current pace of construction is not sufficient to meet the country’s energy needs.

The shift to green energy involves a notable national transition from power plants using coal and natural gas to new wind and solar installations. However, the opposition to renewable energy is multifaceted and not simply a matter of left vs. right. Opposition comes from various groups with different objections, including big utility companies that are involved in the fossil fuel industry, as well as local activists who express concerns about property rights and the impact on their communities and way of life. This opposition has led to a surge in obstacles, with half of the counties implementing bans or impediments to utility-scale solar plants doing so in 2023 alone.

Moreover, local obstructions take various forms, including outright bans or moratoriums, burdensome limits on size, height, or locations, and caps on total size. These restrictions hinder the practicality of building wind or solar farms and contribute to the increasing opposition to such projects. This opposition often leads to intense public meetings and media controversies across the country, as communities grapple with the implications of transitioning to green energy.

The urgency of transitioning to green energy is underscored by the challenges posed by the current restrictions, which could hinder the nation’s ability to meet its energy goals. This situation emphasizes the need for prompt and efficient measures to promote the development of solar and wind power.