Balancing Speed and Equity: State Preemption in Renewable Energy Permitting

Balancing Speed and Equity: State Preemption in Renewable Energy Permitting

Balancing Speed and Equity: State Preemption in Renewable Energy Permitting

Jan 29, 2024

To accelerate renewable energy buildout in the U.S., some states are shifting to preempt local control over large-scale renewable energy facility siting decisions. Recent policy changes in New York, California, and Michigan consolidate state-level authority to streamline the permitting process. This report analyzes these emerging trends towards state preemption, finding they may accelerate project approval but risk limiting public participation and equitable distribution of costs and benefits. Recommendations include supporting active research on the long-term impacts of these shifts to preemption on community support for renewable energy, exploring more participatory development processes, and creating community empowerment resources to ensure that the buildout of renewable energy supports, rather than hinders, the justice of the energy transition.

You can access the full report at this link.