Strengthening local siting authority for utility-scale solar: effects on regulatory decisions and public opposition

As governments have implemented climate mitigation policy, the construction of utility-scale renewable energy has led to increased opposition. Some governments have responded by preempting local authority over siting decisions, whereas others have opted to strengthen it. In the US, the state of Ohio is the leading example of the latter. Its enabling law for increased local authority is also part of a broader policy push by the conservative-controlled government to support continued use of fossil fuels. Based on the analysis of regulatory and media documents for 55 cases of proposed utility-scale solar farms in the state, the study examines the motivations and outcomes of the state’s local authority law. First, the study analyzes concerns expressed in local government resolutions since the state government implemented the law. Concerns with preserving the county’s rural character and with potential negative economic effects are the most salient, followed by specific site-related issues. Second, the study analyzes how the regulatory agency responded to the law by shifting its decision-making criteria to strengthen its consideration of local opposition. Third, the study quantifies the volume of opposition with two measures that show how the law increased opposition from local governments and the public. In summary, the law has been an effective instrument not only to undermine new utility-scale, renewable energy development but also to increase local opposition. Recommendations are developed for improving community acceptance of controversial siting proposals, no matter what decision a government makes on the preemption versus local siting authority issue.