States Preempt Local Control on Renewable Energy Projects

To meet ambitious climate and decarbonization goals, some states are barring local governments from restricting wind and solar development.

1 minute read

January 21, 2024, 11:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


White wind turbine sitting on ground at wind farm construction site.

Steven / Adobe Stock

According to an Associated Press article in the U.S. News & World Report, over a dozen U.S. states have passed laws that bar local jurisdictions from blocking renewable energy projects with zoning restrictions in response to a number of challenges from local groups that have blocked or delayed renewable projects.

In Michigan, over two dozen projects were derailed by local zoning rules. Around the country, at least 228 jurisdictions have imposed rules that restrict renewable energy development. In some cases, the concerns are environmental, while others center on the potential loss of farmland. Now, Michigan law still requires developers to go through the local process, but if denied, the decision can be overturned by a state commission if the project meets certain requirements.

Dan Scripps, chair of Michigan’s Public Service Commission, argues that renewable energy projects are vitally important to the entire state and can’t be limited by local concerns. States including Michigan require public utilities to transition away from fossil fuels by 2040 in alignment with federal goals.

Sunday, January 14, 2024 in U.S. News & World Report

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of Donald Shoup during interview.

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86

Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

February 10, 2025 - StreetsBlog NYC

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

February 11, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of smartphone with USDOT website pulled up and screen with USDOT logo in background.

DOT Memo Directs Transportation Funding to Communities With Higher Marriage and Birth Rates, Compliance with Immigration Officials and No Mask Mandates

The memo ties immigration enforcement to federal funding and prohibits mask or vaccine mandates.

February 5, 2025 - Huffpost

View of Seattle skyline on clear sunny day with Space Needle on left and Mount Rainier in the background.

Housing Measure Wins in Seattle Special Election

Voters approved a new tax that could bring in $50 million per year for social housing.

February 16 - King 5 News

Wildfire recovery area with small trees growing in burn areas in Angeles National Forest in California.

Resilient Communities, Healthy Ecosystems: A Balanced Approach to Wildfires

Effective wildfire mitigation in California requires a holistic approach that goes beyond large-scale vegetation removal, emphasizing home hardening, defensible space, strategic planning, and reducing human-caused ignitions.

February 16 - UCLA Sustainable LA Grand Challenge

Two-way protected bike lane on wide street in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida with high-riise buildings in background.

St. Petersburg’s Bike Infrastructure Efforts Pay Off

New bike infrastructure is encouraging more people to take to the streets on two wheels, but advocates say safety challenges remain.

February 16 - The Crow's Nest

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.