A growing demand for electricity has created more opportunities for the development of wind and solar energy projects. These projects are often located in rural areas and can provide numerous benefits to nearby communities, including lease payments to landowners, tax revenue to fund infrastructure and services, and the creation of both permanent and temporary jobs.
Wisconsin’s desire for renewable energy growth is evident. In 1999, Wisconsin enacted Act 9, becoming the first state with a renewable portfolio standard. The law set a target to supply 10% of the state’s consumption from renewable energy sources by 2015. Building on these efforts, in 2019, the state established a goal to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity consumption by 2050. This goal focuses on transitioning to renewable sources like wind and solar, along with enhancing energy efficiency and economic growth.
To take advantage of the potential benefits of wind and solar energy, county officials can enact siting or zoning standards that help capture the benefits of new development while ensuring projects are built in a way that works best for local communities. One way this can be done is by planning for decommissioning, which is the process of removing energy infrastructure at the end of its operational life.
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