Siting Solutions Project Releases Siting Policy Field Guide to Help US States Reform Renewable Energy Siting

The Siting Solutions Project has released a new Siting Policy Field Guide, aimed at helping US states design and implement renewable energy siting reforms that balance stakeholder interests while accelerating clean energy deployment and delivering benefits to host communities.

The Field Guide provides a practical framework for policymakers and advocates, drawing on recent state-level reforms and real-world examples. It outlines strategies for effective policy design and implementation to address one of the most significant challenges facing the US energy transition—outdated and fragmented siting processes that slow renewable energy development.

The publication is the latest initiative from the Siting Solutions Project, which brings together research, partnerships, and policy expertise to support states in modernising their siting laws. The project analyses successful reforms, connects key stakeholders, and offers expert guidance to help states adopt policies that enable faster clean energy development. The Siting Solutions Project operates under Clean Tomorrow, a nonpartisan organisation focused on advancing practical decarbonisation solutions.

Commenting on the release, Nelson Falkenburg, co-author and Siting Policy Manager at the Siting Solutions Project, said the Field Guide demonstrates that states can build on existing successful models rather than starting from scratch. He noted that clear, fair, and predictable siting rules can help unlock clean energy growth while strengthening trust with local communities.

The release comes amid growing pressure on the US power system, as electricity demand rises and energy costs continue to increase. Recent polling indicates that higher energy bills have become a major source of financial stress for households across the country, regardless of region or political affiliation.

According to the Field Guide, renewable energy siting has emerged as both a key barrier and a major opportunity for meeting national clean energy targets. The document calls for a comprehensive review of state siting frameworks and synthesises internal analysis, external research, and collaboration with partners including Data for Progress and Strategic Economic Research. Rather than promoting a single approach, the Field Guide presents four adaptable policy models that states can tailor to their specific needs.

Alex Breckel, co-author and Senior Director of Programs at the Siting Solutions Project, said siting remains the primary bottleneck limiting the country’s clean energy potential. He added that well-designed policies could help lower energy costs, attract investment, and generate economic benefits for workers, landowners, and host communities.

The Field Guide outlines six core principles for effective renewable energy siting policies: establishing clear and transparent permitting rules, setting enforceable decision timelines, ensuring fair and objective decision-making, enabling economic opportunities for local stakeholders, delivering tangible community benefits, and safeguarding agricultural land, wildlife, and habitats.

The report also emphasises that strong policy design must be supported by effective implementation, durable stakeholder coalitions, and clear performance metrics. With renewable energy technologies commercially ready and economically viable, the Field Guide concludes that adopting proven policy models and focusing on execution can help states unlock the full potential of clean energy and address the nation’s urgent energy needs.

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Siting Solutions Project Releases Siting Policy Field Guide to Help US States Reform Renewable Energy Siting and Accelerate Clean Energy Deployment