Principles for State Clean Energy Permitting and Siting

As energy demand rises rapidly, solar, wind, and battery storage are well-positioned to meet the challenge due to their quick deployment and cost-effectiveness. However, permitting and siting these projects vary across the U.S., with 37 states allowing local authorities to set siting standards, often using zoning processes similar to those for residential or commercial developments, unlike fossil fuel or nuclear projects. This has led to a fragmented regulatory landscape, where some states grant full authority to local officials, while others involve them in state-level decision-making processes.