Across America, local bans, moratoriums and construction impediments are blocking wind and solar energy with increasing levels of red tape. Here’s what our analysis found.
The U.S. aims to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035, but a nationwide analysis reveals that local governments are preventing green power faster than they are supporting it. At least 15% of counties in the U.S. have effectively halted new utility-scale wind, solar, or both. These bans, moratoriums, and construction impediments are making it difficult to expand the clean energy sector.
Renewable Energy Obstacles
Opposition to renewable energy is not ideologically driven and comes from various groups with multiple objections. However, the overall result is a rapid increase in limits on clean energy. In order to shift towards 100% carbon-free energy, utility-scale solar and wind electricity production must ramp up significantly.
Barriers to Achieving 100% Clean Energy
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s projection of current trends shows that the mix of energy sources is currently not on track to meet the clean energy goals. While a significant increase in renewable-energy construction is happening across the country, bans and impediments to green energy are growing at an alarming rate.
Counties Blocking Solar Power
Our analysis, supported by energy and academic experts, determined that in 2023, the number of counties hindering new solar installations almost matched the number of counties adding their first solar farm.
Counties Blocking Wind Power
For wind energy, the number of counties blocking new wind development significantly outweighs the number of counties adding wind-power projects. This trend poses a challenge to the rapid expansion of renewable energy in the country.
Several U.S. states have even enacted statewide blocks on wind projects and have regulations in place to restrict their construction in specific locations.
Unlocking the Full Potential of Wind and Solar Energy
The U.S. has vast wind and solar energy potential. The ability to generate power depends on geographic factors, such as wind speed and solar exposure. Therefore, outright bans and restrictive regulations impeding wind and solar installations in areas with high energy generation capacity pose a significant challenge.
Impediments Spreading and Increasing
Bans and impediments in high-potential areas are spreading to neighboring counties and even counties without previous projects. Many locations have restrictive zoning rules, such as setback requirements, limiting the available land for wind and solar projects.
Impact of Zoning Requirements
Setback requirements, which dictate the distance between wind turbines and adjacent properties, can create significant impediments to wind power. Counties with extreme setback requirements, exceeding 1,000 feet, make it economically infeasible to develop wind farms, hindering the growth of this clean energy source.
Noise Limitations
Noise limits can also impede wind power development. While concerns about health impacts have been disproven, noise limits remain. Restrictions on sound levels can limit the expansion of wind farms, forcing developers to seek alternative, often less windy locations.
Achieving 100% Carbon-Free Electricity
Despite the rise in bans and impediments, experts assert that the U.S. can still reach its goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035. However, these barriers are concerning as they increase project costs and require developers to find alternatives in less favorable locations.
Leaders in Wind and Solar
While many counties oppose clean energy projects, some American states are leading the way in embracing wind and solar energy. For example, Iowa already generates over 65% of its electricity from wind and solar, while Illinois prohibits counties from banning renewable energy.
Economical and Sustainable Energy Solutions
Wind and solar power have become more economical options compared to other forms of electricity. The cost of wind power has dropped 66% since 2009, and solar costs have fallen 84%. Experts believe that renewable energy is a viable solution to meet America’s power needs.
While opposition to wind and solar power exists, it is important to note that some utility companies benefiting from fossil fuels are also investing in clean energy projects.
Together, we can overcome the impediments to renewable energy and strive towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
