The Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement program is now providing funding to Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wisconsin to speed up the approval process for solar farms, energy storage projects, and wind turbines.
According to Utility Dive, the money will come from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Federal officials are optimistic that the funding will help move along the construction of projects that need final approvals from state and local governments.
“Often, the biggest barrier to deploying that clean generation is siting and permitting,” U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a statement. By working with local stakeholders, the administration hopes to deliver renewable energy to communities across the nation “in a way that is tailored to their unique needs,” she continued.
Iowa is expected to receive $1.7 million in the first round of funding; the money will be allocated to Iowa State University’s extension service for educating municipal and county officials in renewable energy and energy storage project planning.
Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will receive $2 million, which will help provide zero-cost expertise to communities considering renewable energy projects.
The initiative is part of the Biden administration’s goal of ensuring 100% of the United States’ electricity supply is provided by clean power sources like wind and solar by 2035.
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