teresa hoffmann, Center for Rural Affairs policy communications associate, [email protected], 402.687.2100 extensión 1012
DES MOINES – The Iowa Environmental Council and Center for Rural Affairs today announced the publication of a best practices guide for counties developing utility-scale solar siting ordinances, Iowa Solar Siting Resource Guide: Best Practices for Counties.
“Utility-scale solar and community solar projects are just taking off in Iowa so direct experience here is limited. We want to encourage counties to take a look at best practices for solar siting that are working around the Midwest,” said Jordan Oster, Energy Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator with the Iowa Environmental Council. “Having a good ordinance developed through a public process can provide the certainty necessary to bring the economic benefits of solar to a county while balancing the interests of residents.”
Además de describir las mejores prácticas de una buena ordenanza solar, incluido el proceso, el tratamiento en los distritos de zonificación, los contratiempos, la infraestructura y el desmantelamiento, la guía también incluye una guía sobre cómo combinar mejor la energía solar con la vegetación nativa y el hábitat de los polinizadores.
"Pairing solar with native vegetation is a great way to expand the benefits of renewable energy--creating a rural economic development opportunity while providing critical habitat for pollinators and wildlife," said Cody Smith, Policy Associate with the Center for Rural Affairs.
Iowa currently has about 110 MW of solar, mostly located at homes, farms, and businesses. Major utility-scale projects in Louisa, Mitchell, and Howard Counties will bring Iowa’s solar capacity to nearly 1,000 MW with more solar planned in other areas of the state.
“Solar energy can be a source of revenue to counties and farmers while delivering clean, low-cost energy,” said Kerri Johannsen, Energy Program Director with the Iowa Environmental Council. “We hope this guide can be a resource for counties in Iowa to make informed decisions that allow solar to flourish across the state.”
Haga clic aquí for a copy of the solar siting guide.
