In this series, we analyzed how state and local permitting and siting policies affect the bulk power industry and examined the array of technologies with demonstrated commercial expansion interest.
Some key findings from our research:
It is becoming more difficult to navigate the state and local permitting environment for wind turbines. The number of new ordinances per year increased sixteen-fold from 2003 to 2023, and the average setback requirement of ordinances increased by 304 percent over the same period. Counties with more potential for wind energy are also more likely to have ordinances restricting deployment, which are often more restrictive than those in counties with less wind energy potential.
Wind power will likely be more difficult to permit at the state and local levels in future years due to fewer available sites. However, some ordinances can be circumvented with shorter wind…
