Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs -DRAFT- Disclaimer Research Participation Program administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) through an interagency agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ORISE is managed by ORAU under DOE contract number DE-SC0014664. All opinions expressed in this paper are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the policies and views of US EPA, DOE, or ORAU/ORISE. EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- Background and Purpose Climate change threatens lives in the United States (US) and all around the World. The increasing impacts of this crisis have led to global consensus urging aggressive, immediate action to avoid worldwide irreversible catastrophe. This is the foundation for which the Paris agreement was created which set forth a global strategic framework to combat climate change. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for protecting the environment and human lives as human activity intensify damage to the environment. Cities have implemented efforts to mitigate this problem and introduced aggressive climate strategy inclusive of the generation of clean energy which aligns with President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order.1 This legislation has allowed State and local governments to set ambitious local clean energy goals, resilience strategies and green energy plans, ultimately addressing the administrations' climate strategy and benefitting communities. The EPA's Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM) is one such organization positioned to help with this task as OLEM's RE-Powering America's Land Initiative (RE-Powering) encourages renewable energy, solar development on landfills, brownfields, mines, i.e., compromised lands. RE-Powering also aligns with revitalizing communities impacted by comprised lands and pursuing environmental justice (EJ) for these overburdened populations.2 That said, the research's objective to evaluate local government policy that encourage the use of formerly contaminated lands to develop renewable energy projects observed that local government legislation, resulting from grassroot organizations, was a foundation for developing renewable, green energy and resiliency plans for State policy and legislation (see Project Spotlight #1). This report highlights three solar projects and provides local government policy (that promote renewables) summaries for selected projects and serves as a quick resource to educate readers about key elements found to be instrumental in promoting local renewable energy projects. Based on these selected projects, common factors were observed in the development of these renewable energy (RE) policy which included: ¦ community equity and engagement; ¦ permit process and zoning modification; ¦ codification; ¦ contract agreement (e.g., easements, lease, power purchase agreement); ¦ certificate, incentive and credit (e.g., Solar Renewable Energy Credits- SREC) offerings; ¦ establish clean energy, climate protection tax; and ¦ develop Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and/or Fund. Providing a summary of some key features and trends of local government renewable policies will offer a strategic perspective of elements that were found to be dominant in promoting solar development. A few noted creative renewable energy policy designs which enabled community solar (see Project Spotlight #2) and multi- municipality (see Project Spotlight #3) project developments are also highlighted. This report is not a step-by- step solar policy development guide. Rather, it provides reference information for readers to consider when developing renewable energy policy. RE-Powering Initiative and Local Renewable Policy Overview The acceptance of renewable energy and increase in its production has created questions of environmental consequences and suitable facility siting. The placement of energy facilities on viable farmland, pristine or greenfield sites can cause community resistance, impact ecosystems, and compromise greenspace. Instead, encouraging development on previously used or compromised land, the aforementioned problems and urban sprawl could be reduced while local governments perform land infill and leverage land that may have limited productive use. While local and state governments implement clean, green and resiliency strategies and sustainability plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy development on RE-Powering sites can help with achieving the goals of these plans. 1 Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. January 27, 2021. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing- room/presidential-actions/2021/01/27/executive-order-on-tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad/. ! E.O. 14008 Sections 218 and 220. DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- RE-Powering encourages the construction and siting of renewable energy projects on blighted, mines, and formerly or currently contaminated lands and landfills, if aligned with the communities' goals. Use of these lands have advantages to communities, local government and developers and are being realized. This may include: ¦ establish clean energy, climate protection tax, ¦ develop Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and/or Fund, ¦ reduce energy costs and GHG emissions, ¦ local tax revenue, ¦ local jobs, ¦ pre-existing infrastructure, and ¦ reduce land lease costs. The placement and construction of renewable energy facilities and its siting on RE-Powering sites are gaining traction. Local governments are uniquely positioned to foster growth of renewables on RE-Powering sites in their communities. RE-Powering Response Team (https://www.epa.gov/re-powerinq') Headquarters Lora Strine (strine.lora@epa.gov) (202) 564-1521 Liability Questions Phil Page (page.phillip@epa.gov) (202) 564-4211 Region 1 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) Katherine Woodward (woodward.katherine@epa.gov) (617) 918-1353 Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands) Jordan Mohondro (mohondro.iordan@epa.gov) (212) 637-4328 Region 3 (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia) Patricia Corbett (corbett.patricia@epa.gov) (215) 814-3173 Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee) Donna Seadler (seadler.donna@epa.gov) (404) 562-8870 Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wsconsin) Thomas Bloom (bloom.thomas@epa.gov) (312) 886-1967 Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) Casey Luckett (luckett.casev@epa.gov) (214) 665-7393 Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska) Gavle Hubert (hubert.gavle@epa.gov) (913) 551-7439 Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming) Timothy Rehder (rehder.timothv@epa.gov) (303) 312-6293 Region 9 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, and Guam) Karen Irwin (irwin.karen@epa.gov) (415) 947-4116 Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) Margaret Olson (olson.margaret@epa.gov) (503) 326-5874 Dustan Bott (bott.dustan@epa.gov) (206) 553-5502 2 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- RE-Powerina - Additional Resources Local and State policies, programs and incentives are very instrumental in promoting the reuse of brownfields, landfills and mine lands to develop renewable energy projects. Thus, the following reference documents provide all known renewable projects on RE-Powering sites in the United States. The reference documents also include detailed site data, benefits associated with each project, and the projects' completion date. The documents are as follows. ¦ Tracking Matrix: https://www.epa.gov/svstem/files/documents/2022- 11 /re on cl tracking matrix oct 22.pdf ¦ Benefits Matrix: https://www.epa.gov/svstem/files/documents/2022-04/benefits matrix 508 040122.pdf Additionally, a website launched by an EPA partner-RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute), called the 'Local Government Renewable Tracker,' summarizes overall trends in local governments' regulatory and legislative engagements (https://citvrenewables.org/enqaqement-tracker/). Furthermore, a document is also available that highlights selected Profiles of States' RE policies and programs (state program profiles') which are also known States that are leading in solar development. Outline of Document The following sections analyze and discuss renewable projects that resulted from Local, State and Federal government policies, programs, and incentives and other creative programming. This work begins by providing a snapshot table summarizing three featured projects - Tremont Solar Array, DC's Community Solar Project and North Carolina's Solar Farm. Each project consist of the following categories: description, differentiator, and key features of local policy that promoted renewable use and development. Additionally, overall implications of the three projects are also highlighted in the table. The table is followed by sections featuring details of each of the three featured project which are grouped into the categories: main policy elements, benefits/takeaways, and key lessons learned. Lastly, a table is provided highlighting key research findings of selected projects featuring Local government policies, programs and incentives designed to promote renewable energy developments while leveraging RE- Powering sites. Additionally, important State and Federal policies, incentives and programs are also expressed in the summary table which is then followed by concluding remarks. 3 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- Snapshot: Summary of Featured Projects Below is a table summarizing the three featured projects. Details and references for the featured projects follow in the subsequent sections. rojects—> Categories! Tremont, ME - Solar Array (completed 2019) Washington, DC - Community Solar (completed 2020) Charlotte, NC- Solar Farm (in-progress) Implications (from the three projects) Project Description 153 KW solar farm on a capped landfill 2.65 MW community solar on City's former brownfield 35 MW solar farm on City's former landfill An observation is that as solar system technology gain traction and become efficient, more and larger developments emerge. Project Differentiator Local grassroot group defined 'energy independence' framework which was the impetus for State energy laws. Project addressed energy equity and EJ issues via community solar and $500 annual bill credit. Future RE needs defined via multi- municipality collaborations on Duke Energy's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Community focused and collaboration are key; In addition, DC focused on EJ and energy equity which contributed to solar acceptance. Significant Local Policy Features Project focused on community and protecting parklands; local environmental/energy legislation was developed that served as foundation for State energy laws; incorporated youth in the decision- making process; provide energy through locally owned and generated clean energy. DC's Clean Energy Act mandates 100% RE by 2032; community solar project leveraged energy bill savings and credits; clean energy/climate protection tax revenue for non- compliance; 'Solar for All' program provided solar for low to moderate income families, addressed energy equity; rezoning and permitting process efficiency. 'Strategic Energy Action Plan' promotes reuse of landfills for solar and other renewables; Duke Energy's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) outlines future energy needs and requirements. Local proactive involvement in the IRP will provide saving to NC residents currently and in the future; community solar allows for efficient, shared energy usage and equates to savings on electric bills. Additional tools leveraged to promote renewable energy (RE) development Climate Action Plan established State energy goals; State legislation mandated RE achievements by 2050; Renewable Portfolio Standards and Federal Investment Tax Credits (ITC) promote solar and RE goals. Establishes increase in solar, RE production by Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS); DOEE partnered with residents to train/perform solar related work; Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) allows one to earn money for the electricity generated by solar panels. Duke Energy's Green Source Advantage (GSA) program allows for procurement and negotiate pricing of RE; RE certificates (RECs) promotes providers' generation of RE resources as it certifies RE production which can be sold for profit; Green tariffs are RE options to source up to 100% from renewable resources. A combination of Federal, State, and creative programs, incentives, and credits that promote RE production and 'clean' energy goals provide for overall benefits, e.g., cost savings, reduce GHG emissions, job creation, local revenue, improve environment and human health. In the following sections, details of featured projects are highlighted and their data grouped into the categorizes: ¦ Main Policy Elements, ¦ Benefits/Takeaways, and ¦ Lessons Learned. 4 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- Project Spotlight #1 (Tremont, ME)3 Summary The town of Tremont, Maine's 153 kW solar farm was a capped landfill and is the first and largest solar system on Mount Desert Island (MDI), completed 2019. Comprised of MDI residents and businesses, local grassroot group "A Climate To Thrive (ACTT)" formed and developed a series of environmental, economic vitality and energy legislation which was supported by local and state representatives. The Board of Selectmen (an elected board of five municipal officers) approved local legislation and Town ordinances, the bills then were passed by the State, and Governor Mills signed them into law which allowed for the deployment of Tremont's solar project. Tremont Solar Array Source: https://the1a.orq/seqments/the-fiqht-over-solar-isnt-investment-its-about-locatiori/ Main Policy Elements ¦ Established MDI's goals of energy independence and providing as much as possible the energy needs of MDI through locally owned and generated clean energy. Thus, reducing GHG emissions while building local resilience, empowerment, and equity; ¦ Incorporate energy independence which included: energy efficiency; local, responsibly located systems, clean energy generation; local demand and supply management through smart grid technology; and, electrification of heating, cooling and transportation (getting off gas and oil); • Creation of grassroot group, 'A Climate to Thrive (ACTT)' due to community concerns of minimizing ecological impacts of siting solar farms in the Town of Tremont and the entire MDI. ACTT is an MDI organization (501 (c)3) created in 2015 focused on community and prioritizing protected land (i.e., Acadia National Park) to limit ecological disruptions and ensuring solar usage savings passed directly onto locals via discounts from utility subscriptions and the ultimate ownership of the solar farm by the Town in approximately 7 years; 5 Mount Desert Islander: Town plans addition to solar array for resident use. Jan 1, 2020. https://www.mdislander.com/news/town-plans-addition-to-solar-arrav-for-resident-use/article 4b8fce20-2a05-512f-bl34-3b9a96bf37cd.html Amanda Williams: The problem with solar energy isn't investment. It's location. Sep 29, 2022. https://thela.org/segments/the-fight-over-solar-isnt-investment-its-about-location/ State of Maine site, https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-signs-maior-renewable-energy-and-climate-change-bills-law-2019-06-26 5 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- ¦ Clearly defined goals - ACTT's desired to achieve energy independence for MDI by 2030 via decentralized, local, RE solutions which reduce pollution, create new businesses, generate jobs year- round that pays a living wage, and bring communities together around the shared goal of preserving their environment; ¦ Solid advocate - House of Representative for the 135th District (MDI, Bar Harbour) Brian Hubbell brought ACTT's bold vision to Maine through sponsoring legislation LD 1679 and was signed into law by Governor Mills (June 2019). This bill mandated a plan for Maine's energy independent by 2030, ultimately resulting in the formation of the Maine Climate Council and Maine's Climate Action Plan: Maine Won't Wait; ¦ Established key role of Maine's Climate Council to facilitate conversations exploring the importance of intergenerational collaboration on climate action and the inclusion of youth in decision-making processes; ¦ Key legislation signed: June 26, 2019 - LD 1679 which promotes clean energy jobs and established Maine's Climate Council; LD 1494 reformed Maine's Renewable Portfolio Standard to achieve 80% RE by 2030 with goal of 100% by 2050, incentivized efficient heating and cooling installation: LD 1711 promoted solar energy and distributed generation resources in Maine and incentivized, at least, 375 MWof new generation in Maine; and ¦ Additionally, leveraged in Tremont's RE projects was the Federal Tax Credit for Solar/PV installations for Investment. Tax Credit (ITC) of 30% for projects in 2019, 26% for 2020, 22% for 2021 and 10% for 2022. T akeaways/Benefits ¦ Project success is heavily reliant on community buy-in; ¦ Focus on community means prioritizing protected land (i.e., Acadia National Park) to limit ecological disruptions and ensure savings goes back to locals; ¦ ACTT facilitated the collaboration of all four MDI towns, addressing their vision of making the island an epicenter of citizen engagement, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality; ¦ ACTT model can be leveraged by other communities across Maine and nationally to spur collaborative renewable policy actions simultaneously enhancing economic well-being and quality of life: and ¦ Community benefits include utility savings, local jobs creation, and project adding to the achievement of clean and renewable energy goals. Tremont Solar Array Source: https://www.mdislander.com/riews/town-plaris-addition-to-solar-arrav-for-resident-use/article 4b8fce20-2a05-512f- b134-3b9a96bf37cd.html 6 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- Project Spotlight #2 (Washington, DC)4 Summary Community solar at the Oxon Run site is the largest clean energy project in the District, as of February 2021. The primary focus of the project is to serve neighborhood residents though the Department of Energy & Environment's (DOEE) "Solar for All" program which aims to bring the benefits of solar energy to low and moderate income families in the District. The solar farm is touted as an innovative use of a degraded 15-acre brownfield site located along South Capitol Street, SWin Ward 8. In December 2020, a total of 2.65 megawatts of clean, solar energy capacity was brought online. The community solar system delivers to approximately 750 households, in the surrounding community, free electricity (i.e., offset utilities $500 annually). The low-impact site design produces renewable electricity in a manner that is safe, clean, and silent. The site includes the restoration of native pollinator plants, pollinator meadows plants, and native plants and shrub landscaping throughout. Construction at Oxon Run's Community Solar site Source: https;//doee.dc.gov/service/oxonrunsolar Main Policy Elements of Solar Project In 2017, the DOEE in partnership with the Department of General Services (DGS), contracted design and build of the solar facility with GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic (GRID). Project management for environmental and survey services and site civil engineering were provided by GRID. DOEE and Groundswell, a non-profit grantee, provide subscription management. DGS and Lightbox provide site management and maintenance. Solar policy foundation consisted of: • Leveraging the "Solar for All" program which established the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS is funded by the Renewable Energy Development Fund); • Creating the Renewable Energy Development Fund (in 2016) which developed community solar projects and single family home solar for low to moderate income residents, addressing equity and EJ elements; • Use of SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) which established a utility bill credit allocation mechanism. Of which, DC hosts a Community Renewable Energy Facilities (CREF) - 'Solar for All', mainly made up of community solar systems; ¦ Implementing a Net Energy Metered (NEM) arrangement (behind-the-meter) 4 DC's Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE): Community Solar at Oxon Run. Feb 2021. https://doee.dc.gov/service/oxonrunsolar Interview with Emil King: DOEE Program Manager - Oxon Run Community Solar Project (September 2022) DOEE's RFP for Community Renewal Energy Facility at Oxon Run https://dgs.dc.gov/sites/default/fiies/dc/sites/dgs/pubiication/attachments/ RFP%20-%20Qxon%20Run%20-%207-5-17.pdf 7 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- ¦ Receiving rezoning approval; ¦ Requiring local subcontractor hiring and preference points; and ¦ Coordinating with many agencies for successful project completion. Community Solar at Oxon Run Source: Personal Photo T akeaways/Benefits ¦ Oxon Run project focused on community equity and EJ while servicing solar to approximately 750 low- medium income households and providing an approximate $500 annual bill credit; ¦ Reuse of underutilized compromised land (previously contaminated with petroleum residue) as a revenue generator; ¦ The solar system decreases air pollution and asthma by reducing electricity from fossil fuels; ¦ 30,000 metric tons of GHG emissions avoided which is equivalent to removing more than 6,300 cars from the road for a year or planting 777,000 tree seedlings grown for 10 years; and ¦ Site redevelopment include restoration of native pollinator plantings, planting of pollinator meadows, and native plant and shrub landscaping throughout. 8 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- Project Spotlight #3 (Charlotte, NC and Multi-municipality collaboration)5 Summary: Multi-muriicipality Collaboration Years of policy collaboration among 15 cities (i.e., City of Charlotte, Raleigh, Ashville, Durham, Greensboro, and Wilmington; Buncombe, Durham and Orange County; and Town of Boone, Carrboro, Gary, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and Matthews), assisted North Carolina with passing clean energy legislation (i.e., NC's new energy law). Leveraging this legislation, the City of Charlotte aims to meet its clean energy goals of powering facilities and fleets with 100 percent-zero carbon sources by 2030 and providing 10,000 homes with utility-scale solar power. Ecoplexus developed Charlotte's solar farm which was expected to be operational in 2022 however, inflation associated with escalating equipment costs has caused stalls within the project. Landfill site for Charlotte's Solar Farm Source: https://www.wbtv.com/storv/34165060/solar-farm-mav-sprout-on-a-charlotte-laridfill-closed-for-decades/ Overview: Multi-municipality Policy Elements Many local governments are discovering that their abilities to develop off-site renewable energy resources or purchase renewable electricity -essential components for meeting their clean energy goals, are limited by state and utility policies and processes outside of their control. In NC, these limitations were addressed by jointly educating 15 local governments about: Duke Energy's utility Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), utility engagement pathways, development of core messaging about their desired outcomes, and public comments submission to meaningfully participate in the regulatory review process of Duke Energy's 2020 IRP. Utilities create IRPs to establish strategy or plan of addressing ¦ future energy demand; ¦ establish a vision for long-term resource development; and ¦ aid in the determination of what the energy mix will be in the coming years. 5 Duke tnergy's IRP: Sep 1. 2020. https://www.duke-enerev.com/our-companv/aboutus/irp City of Charlotte "Strategic Energy Action Plan." Dec 2018. https://citvrenewables.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Driving-Climate-Action-Through- Utilitv-IRPs North-Carolina-Case-Studv.pdf Driving Climate Action Through Utility Integrated Resource Plans: A North Carolina Case Study of Local Government Leadership. https://citvrenewables.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Driving--Climate--Action-Through-Utiiitv-IRPs North-Carolina-Case-Study.ndf DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- Policy strategies developed by NC's multi-municipality group and insight for other local governments interested in participating in IRP processes are as follows: ¦ Understand engagement opportunities - The crucial first step is for local governments to have an understanding, at a high-level, of the IRP, its development and regulatory review processes and how to meaningful participate and engage impacts. ¦ Decide whether to participate - Once educated on the IRP and available pathways, local governments must decide whether to participate in the regulatory review process. A City's ability to engage in the IRP process, desired and success outcomes are all items to discuss and consider. ¦ Develop a vision and message - Draft messaging for joint public comments would be the next step. For example, NC's local government group aligned on the vision statement, high-level objectives, engaged with additional stakeholders to refine messaging, and lastly a specific set of detailed requested actions were identified and presented to the North Carolina Utility Commission (NCUC). The group centered their comments around their individual renewable energy and GHG reduction goals. ¦ Obtain leadership approval - Jurisdictional regulatory engagement should be finalized based on each local governments' unique needs and authority and appropriate approvals obtained (e.g., attorneys, city council, mayor, board of commissioners). For example, Asheville and Buncombe County's lawyers met early to discuss participation in the utility regulatory proceedings which assisted with setting up a more expedient approval process. ¦ Submit final comments and intervention letters - Final letters and required signatures must be obtained. For instance, NCUS requires comments to be filed or submitted online before the deadline. ¦ Raise visibility of IRP engagement in the media -NC's local governments developed ways to disseminate and engage residents, businesses, and other clean energy advocates as awareness of IRP processes and meaningful engagement are pivotal in energy cost savings and achieving climate and renewable goals. By engaging with electric utilities and state utility regulatory bodies on IRPs, local governments can drive the following outcomes: ¦ Achieve their renewable and/or clean goals more quickly; ¦ Direct impact of renewables portion of the overall generation mix and how much renewable electricity local governments are using; and ¦ Reduce the need to procure their own electricity to meet goals as more renewable electricity is provided by the area utility. Further, NC's collective power of 15 cities and counties and their participation and influence in the regulatory review process for their electric utility's 2020 IRP, ensured the support and alignment of their local governments' clean energy and community goals. Overall, the multi-municipality participation in the 2020 IRP process provided local government staff and leadership with a valuable educational opportunity and an appreciation of how local government meaningful participation and voices can impact the IRP process. Other indirect impacts of this effort included increasing interest in future regulatory engagement by local government leadership, understanding of Duke Energy's processes and priorities more effectively, and identifying future opportunities for local government-utility collaboration. Takeaways/Lessons Learned: Multi-municipality Policy (IRP) Development ¦ Recruit technical experts and partners to support IRP engagement efforts: Stakeholders, local government and staff should start IRP knowledge early and can receive additional resources, guidance, education and data from partners about the IRP, engagement and other available stakeholder opportunities. 10 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- Communicate local governments' intent to participate in IRP processes: Early as possible, inform electric utility of stakeholders intended engagement in the IRP processes. This reduces compromised relationships and enhances collaborations amongst stakeholders. Local governments also obtain a better understanding of regulatory processes and any utility limitations while utilities are able to understand stakeholder needs and interests. Engage local government leadership: To facilitate approval processes, its imperative, early on, to engage the leadership of local governments for smoother and streamlined approvals. On behalf of promoting energy or climate goals, a proactive measure by local government's could be to seek a mandate and leadership approval for regular IRP participation amongst energy/sustainability staff. Coordinate with other local governments: Collaboration, sharing resources and capacity efforts amongst local governments will minimize duplication of efforts, save time, resources and money and communicate a shared message. Provide attorneys with process education: Connecting attorneys together from different jurisdictions can add to local governments productivity and overcome intervening IRP process knowledge gaps. Benefits: Energy Plan (i.e., IRP) ¦ Address priorities of a community. Customer needs/interests may include equity issues such as reduced energy burden, affordability, equal access to resources, and equitable distribution of energy systems economics benefits; electrification; and energy efficiency. ¦ Increase access to renewable or clean energy. It is important that utility's aid its stakeholders (e.g., communities, universities, corporations) with their ambitious renewable, clean energy and GHG reduction goals. ¦ Ancillary advantages: By default, additional benefits could include improvement in relationships between utilities, local governments and regulators, highlight commit to climate issue among local governments, and collaboration enhancement between stakeholders and utility. Typically, IRPs address questions about the trade-offs between different resource options such as, purchasing energy from other generators, investing in energy efficiency programs, building new generation assets, investing in demand response programs, and integrating distributed energy resources (DERs). These resource considerations are used for analysis and communication of potential strategies for delivering 10 to 20 years of safe and reliable electricity at the lowest system-wide cost. Local governments have an opportunity to influence utility decisions that will have critical ramifications for their renewable energy, GHG emissions reduction, and equity goals. Participation in the utility providers' IRP process is impactful and an emerging trend in the United States as stakeholder comments and meaningful participation are crucial to addressing concerns such as the increasing number of clean energy goals and targets. 11 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- Charlotte, NC Solar Farm Summary6 The City of Charlotte aim is to meet its clean energy goals of powering facilities and fleets with 100 percent-zero carbon sources by 2030 and providing 10,000 homes with utility-scale solar power. NC has 675 closed landfills across the state and Charlotte's 2018 "Strategic Energy Action Plan" promotes the use of former landfills to achieve renewable and clean energy goals. Further, Charlotte was the first municipality to participate in Duke Energy's Green Source Advantage (GSA) program. GSA is a renewable energy procurement program that aid Duke Energy with facilitating customer-directed renewable energy procurement for its customers and provide the opportunity to support renewable energy development in North Carolina. The GSA Program offers customers the flexibility to select and directly negotiate all price terms with a renewable supplier of choice, including the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) produced by the renewable facility and agree on a mutually beneficial contract length up to 20 years. In February 2020, the City was able to move forward with the development of a former landfill resurrected to a 35 MW solar project with the use of acquired renewable energy utility green tariffs. Green tariffs are renewable energy purchasing options which allow a class of customers to source up to 100% of their electricity from renewable resources. Charlotte's solar farm development is a partnership with Carolina Solar Energy and Ecoplexus. The City expected the project to be fully operational by 2022 however, rising equipment costs has stalled the project. Nonetheless, benefits will be City savings of $2 million in energy expenses over the next 20 years, creating over 400 local jobs, improving air quality which helps the City avoid $20 million in expected regional healthcare expenses and reducing carbon emissions equivalent to removing 12,000 passenger vehicles from the road. Charlotte's Solar Farm (In-progress) Source: https://www.wfae.org/enerav-environment/2022-11-29/citv-faces-a-decision-as-costs-for-its-planned-solar-farm-rise-25 6 City of Charlotte. Green Source Advantage Program-Solar Energy Project. Feb 2020. https://charlottenc.gov/sustainabilitv/seap/Page5/Gree11 Source Advantage.aspx Solar farm may sprout on a Charlotte landfill closed for decades. Jan 7, 2017. https://www.wbtv.com/storv/3416506Q/solar-farm-mav-sprout~on-a- charlotte-landfill-closed-for-decades/ Charlotte, NC. https://citvrenewables.org/storv/charlotte-nc/ City faces a decision as costs for its planned solar farm rise 25%. November 29, 2022. https://www.wfae.org/energv-eiivironrnent/2022-ll-29/citv-faces-a- decision-as-costs-for-its-planned-solar-farm-rise-25 12 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- Main Policy Elements and Key Takeawavs/Benefits Establish a plan: December 2018, Charlotte's 'Strategic Action Plan' established the foundation for the City's ambitious climate and renewable goals such as procuring 100% of energy used by buildings and fleets to zero- carbon sources by 2030. It is expected the 35 MW solar project will offset 25% of government buildings' carbon emissions over the next 20 years. Define project priorities: In the RFP, detail all priorities including non-energy priorities such as workforce development programs, minority-owned business selection and preferences to work with local companies. A signed memorandum of understanding with the developer would also be beneficial and hold the developer accountable. Leverage local government status: Being a "great" municipality customer, solar developers are more than willing to negotiate as City contracts have little risk and long-term viability. Engage with utility: Early on, it is essential to engage with local utility, if your City falls under the jurisdiction of a regulated utility. For example, Charlotte had an established relationship with Duke Energy and the utility assisted the city navigate the green tariff process and understand the project economics. Education is key: Champions within the City are necessary to articulate the project's value from the start as projects could be difficult to evaluate and understand. 13 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- Research Findings Summary: Selected Local Government Renewable Energy (RE) Policy on RE-Powering Lands The following table of selected projects summarizes various local government policies and programs designed to promote renewable energy developments while leveraging RE-Powering lands. State City Project/Site Name Prior LU Highlights of Local Additional Tools Outcome/Result Government Policy used with Local Policy** AZ Ajo Ajo Solar Project Mine Land -Sustainability Action Plan -Incentives leveraged -Local construction jobs (2011 completion) -Permitting streamlined (via from State's -Power sold to AZ Public Service the Solar One Stop website) Renewable Energy (APS) for 25 years -Promote renewable Standard & Tariff -Reduced energy costs development on (REST) rules for solar -GHG goals being realized compromised lands to technology achieve emission goals Sources httDs://webcms.Dima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server 6/File/Government/Sustainabilitv%20and%20Conservation/Sustainabilitv%20and%20Conservation%20newsroom/Sustaina ble%20Action%20Plan/Sustainable-Action-Plan-for-Countv-Operations.pdf https://www. power-technologv.com/marketdata/aio-and-bagdad-solar-pv-park-us/ DC Washington Oxon Run Community Brownfield -Clean Energy DC Act of -Renewable Portfolio -Delivery of free 'clean' power Solar 2018; Solar-for-AI 1 program Standard (RPS) -reduced air pollution and (2020 completion) -Energy equity: community -Solar Renewable asthma solar for low to moderate Energy Credits (SREC) -30,000 metric tons GHG income residents emissions avoided -Clean energy/climate -Restored native pollinator protection tax planting, pollinator meadows -Bill credit allocation and plants -Rezoning and permitting -local construction jobs process efficiency -energy equity addressed, free -Local subcontractor hiring energy ($500 credit) preference -Interagency collaboration Sources Interview with Emil King: DOEE Program Manager-Oxon Run Community Solar Project (September 2022) https://doee.dc.gov/service/oxonrunsolar https://www.fcnl.org/updates/2022-04/dc-solar-farm-offers-preview-clean-energv-future https://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Panel SolarForAII OxonRun B2B.pdf https://dgs.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dgs/publication/attachments/ RFP%20-%200xon%20Run%20-%207-5-17.pdf 14 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- ME Tremont Tremont Solar Project Landfill -"Energy Independence" -Renewable Energy -Energy costs savings (2019 completion) goals established via Portfolio Standard -Groups goals served as strategy environmental commitment -Maine's Climate and passage of State Energy of local grassroot group Action Plan related laws -Community engagement, -Maine's Energy Laws -Environmental impacts citizen focused and and legislation mitigated prioritizing protected lands -Federal Tax Credit for -Local jobs created (e.g., Acadia National Park) Solar/PV installation to limit ecological disruption -Community empowerment and involvement -Energy purchased locally -Utility subscription for savings benefitting locals -Promote community solar and clean energy jobs Sources https://www.acl imatetothrive.org/what-we-do https://thela.org/segments/the-fight-over-solar-isnt-investment-its-about-location https://www. maine.gov/governor/mi lls/news/governor-mills-signs-maior-renewable-energv-and-climate-change-bills-law-2019-06-26 NC Charlotte Charlotte Solar Farm Landfill -2018 Strategic Energy -Duke Energy's Green -City savings of $2 million in (in-progress) Action Plan Source Advantage energy expenses over the next -Multi-municipality (GSA) program 20 years collaboration and -Renewable energy -Create over 400 local jobs participation on Duke certificates (RECs) -Improve air quality which helps Energy's Integrated -Renewable energy the City avoid $20 million in Resource Plan (IRP) utility green tariffs expected regional healthcare expenses -Reduce carbon emissions equivalent to removing 12,000 passenger vehicles from the road Sources https://citvrenewables.org/storv/multiple-local-governments-nc/ https://www.wbtv.com/storv/34165060/solar-farm-mav-sprout- on-a-charlotte-landfill-closed-for-decades/ https://rmi.org/achieving-clean-energv-legislation-in-a-moderate-state/ https://cityrenewables.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Driving-Climate-Action-Through-Utility-IRPs North-Carolina-Case-Study.pdf 15 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- NJ Somerset Carlstadt Scientific (2020 completion) Superfund -Solar Renewable Energy program -Permitting one-stop shop, accelerated environmental review and coordination -County issued 67.5M in bond funding - Developer agreement to maintain and operate system for 15 years -Private investment from developer for developer costs -Rent payment from solar company, 20-year lease agreement -Renewable farm spur area development and economy -Power supplied to 60% of area businesses Sources https://www.co.somerset.ni.us/government/administrator-s-office/improvement-authoritv/solar-renewable-enerBv-proBram https://semspub.epa.Bov/work/HQ/100002041.pdf NJ Trenton Trenton Solar Farm (2010 completion) Brownfield -City of Trenton's Revitalization Project - Brownfield Action Plan (BAP) -Brownfield coordinator funded for 20 yrs -Interagency and municipality collaboration -Permit requirements modified -Phased document signoff; a codified signoff approach -Fee exemptions and waived -Utility solar program creation -Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) -Green jobs creation -Power to more than 200 homes -Energy bill reduction -EJ, equity, community needs and emission goals addressed Sources https://www.trentonni.ors/DocumentCenter/View/221/2018-Brownfields-Action-Pian-PDF https://www.ni.com/business/2010/08/pses starts 13 mesawatt solar.html https://www. prnewswire.com/news-reieases/construction-of-psess-trenton-soiar-farm-underwav-99867579.htm TX Houston Sunnyside Solar Farm (in-progress) Landfill -Climate Action Plan -City of Houston Complete Community Initiative -Promote energy equity and clean energy jobs - TX Railroad Commission's Brownfield program -More than 100 green and construction jobs -Provide power to more than 5,000 homes - EJ, equity, community needs and emission goals addressed -Students trained for solar related jobs 16 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- Sources https://cityrenewables.org/storv/houston-tx-2/ https://www.houstontx.gov/mavor/press/2022/tceq-approves-sunnyside-solar-farm.html https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/23377770/garbage-dump-landfill-solar-climate-iustice-sunnvside-ira ** Important program/strategy that contributed to project success (e.g., State policy, non-local policy/program) 17 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- Concluding Remarks and Discussions In the previous section, the aforementioned selected local renewable projects highlighted key policies and tools that promoted renewables while contributing to the success of the solar project. As such, project success factors and/or best practices can be grouped into the following seven categories and are subsequently discussed in the summary table. ¦ Promote renewable policy ¦ Education and outreach ¦ Support reuse of compromised lands ¦ Focus on EJ/Energy equity ¦ Streamline permitting and/or environmental review ¦ Customer-centric procurement requirements (subscription choice) ¦ Interagency coordination This effort aims to compile commonality among success factors and/or best practices of local government renewal energy policy that could benefit readers interested in solar development. *** To be completed: table comparing/contrasting commonalities and differences between selected projects developments on compromised lands. 18 DRAFT 28 Dec 2022 Profiles: Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs EPA Publication Number: 540-D-22-001 ------- |