Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs Sandra Cutts, PhD EPA ORISE Fellow February 2023 Acknowledgement/Disclaimer This research was supported in part by an appointment to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 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: 540S23002 ------- 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 US 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, brownHelds, and mines, which are also called 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 compromised 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, provides summaries of local government policy (that promote renewables) for selected projects and serves as a quick resource to inform readers about key elements found to be instrumental in promoting local renewable energy projects. Based on these selected projects, common factors observed that were instrumental in the development of renewable energy (RE) policy 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 commonalities amongst 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 creating policy for renewable energy projects. 1 Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. January 27, 2021. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefirtg-- room/presidential-actions/2021/01/27/executive-order-on-tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad/. 2 E.O. 14008 Sections 218 and 220. 1 EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs ------- 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, Maine's Solar Array, DC's Community Solar Project and North Carolina's Solar Farm. Each project consists of the following categories: description, key features of local policy that promoted renewable use and development, and project differentiator. The table is followed by sections featuring details of each of the three featured projects which are grouped into the categories: main policy elements, benefits, takeaways, and key lessons learned. Lastly, a table highlighting key research findings of the seven 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 and an appendix containing RE-Powering reference materials. EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs 2 ------- 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. Projects > Categories! Project Description Significant Local Policy Features Tremont, ME - Solar Array (completed 2019) Washington, DC - Community Solar (completed 2020) Charlotte, NC- Solar Farm (in-progress) Additional tools leveraged to promote renewable energy (RE) development Project Differentiator EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs 3 ------- Project Spotlight #1 (Tremont, ME)3 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, then the bills 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.org/seaments/the-fiqht-over-solar-isnt-investment-its-about-locatiori/ Main Policy Elements • Established MDI's goals: energy independence and provide 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; • Incorporation of energy independence inclusive of: 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)': group formed 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) formed 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 local residents via discounts from utility subscriptions and ultimate ownership of the solar farm by the Town in approximately 7 years; 3 Mount Desert Islander: Town plans addition to solar array for resident use. Jan 1, 2020. https://www.mdisiander.eom/news/town-plans-addition-to-solar-arrav-for-resident-use/ai1:icle 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-iocation/ State of Maine site, https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-signs-maior-renewable-energy-and-climate-change-biils-law-2019-06-26 4 EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs ------- ¦ Clearly defined goals: ACTT's desired to achieve energy independence for MDI by 2030 via decentralized, iocal, 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 advocacy: House of Representative for the 135th District (MDI, Bar Harbour) Brian Hubbeii brought ACTT's bold vision to Maine through sponsoring legislation LD 1679 and was signed into law by Governor Mills (June 2019). This biil 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: facilitate conversations exploring the importance of intergenerational collaboration on climate action and the inclusion of youth in decision-making processes; • Signage of key legislation: 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 ¦ Leveraged other programs: Tremont's RE projects used 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. Takeaways & 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 weii-being and quality of life; and ¦ Community benefits include utility savings, local jobs creation, and Tremont's project adding to the achievement of clean and renewable energy goals. Tremont Solar Array Source: https://www.mdislander.com/news/town-plans-addition-to-solar-arrav-for-resident-use/article 4b8fce20-2a05-512f- b134-3b9a96bf37cd.html EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs 5 ------- Project Spotlight #2 (Washington, DC)4 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 free electricity (i.e., a utility bill credit of $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; ¦ Using 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 Ail', mainly made up of community solar systems; • implementing a Net Energy Metered (NEM) arrangement (behind-the-meter, i.e., energy storage system that supply power directly to homes and buildings); 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://das.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dgs/publication/attachments/ RFP%20-%20Qxon%20Run%20-%207-5-17.pdf 6 EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs ------- ¦ Receiving rezoning approval; • Requiring local subcontractor hiring and preference points (receive priority); and • Coordinating with many agencies for successful project completion. Community Solar at Oxon Run Source: Personal Photo Takeaways & 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 per household; ¦ 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; ¦ Avoided emissions of 30,000 metric tons of GHG 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; ¦ Creation of local construction jobs; and ¦ Site redevelopment included restoration of native pollinator plantings, planting of pollinator meadows, and native plant and shrub landscaping throughout. EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs 7 ------- Project Spotlight #3 (NC's Multi-municipality Collaboration and Charlotte, NC Farm)5 North Carolina's multi-municipality collaboration consist of 15 cities, namely the City of Charlotte, Raleigh, Ashville, Durham, Greensboro, and Wilmington; Buncombe, Durham and Orange County; and Town of Boone, Carrboro, Cary, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and Matthews. For years, policy collaboration amongst these 15 cities 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-landfill-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 Energy's IRP: Sep 1, 2020. https://www.duke-enerev.com/our-company/about-us/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-conl:ent/uplo3ds/2022/02/Driving-Cllmate-Action-Thiough-Utiiitv-IRPs North-Carolina-Case-Studv.pdf 8 EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs ------- 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 - 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 meaningfully 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; and ¦ 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. EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs 9 ------- 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; ¦ 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, it is 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 governments could be to seek a mandate and leadership approval for regular IRP participation amongst enengy/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; and ¦ 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, utility's aid its stakeholders (e.g., communities, universities, corporations) with their ambitious renewable, clean energy and GHG reduction goals; and ¦ 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. 10 EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs ------- Charlotte, NC Solar Farm6 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/enerqv-environment/2022-11-29/citv-faces-a-decision-as-costs-for-its-plarined-solar-farm-rise-25 6 City of Charlotte. Green Source Advantage Program-Solar Energy Project. Feb 2020. https://charlottenc.aov/sust3inabiiitv/seap/Pages/Green Source Advantage.aspx Solarfarm may sprout on a Charlotte landfill closed for decades. Jan 7, 2017. https://www.wbtv.eom/storv/34165060/solar-farm-mav-sprout-on-a- ch a rlotte - la n df i I l-closed-fo r-decades/ Charlotte, NC. https://citvrenewable;s.org/ston//charlotte-nc/ City faces a decision as costs for its planned solarfarm rise 25%. November 29, 2022. https://www.wfae.org/energv-environrnent/2022-ll-29/citv-faces-3- decision-as-costs-for-its-planned-solar-farm-rise-25 https://www.wfae.org/energv-environment/2022-ll-29/charlottes-solar-cliallenges-follow-a-trend-with-similar-proiects 11 EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs ------- Main Policy Elements and Key Takeaways ¦ 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: detail all priorities in the RFP 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: it's essential to engage early on with local utility, especially 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; and ¦ 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. Anticipated Benefits ¦ the City is expected to have savings of $2 million in energy expenses over the next 20 years, ¦ creation of over 400 local jobs, ¦ improved air quality which helps the City avoid $20 million in expected regional healthcare expenses, and ¦ reduced carbon emissions equivalent to removing 12,000 passenger vehicles from the road. 12 EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs ------- 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. Highlights of Local Government Policy State City Project/Site Name Prior LU AZ Ajo Ajo Solar Project (2011 completion) Mine Land : -Sustainability Action Plan : -Permitting streamlined (via ; the Solar One Stop website) : -Promote renewable i development on compromised lands to : achieve emission goals Additional Tools used with Local Policy** -Incentives leveraged from State's Renewable Energy Standard & Tariff (REST) rules for solar technology Outcomes/Results -Local construction jobs -Power sold to AZ Public Service (APS) for 25 years -Reduced energy costs -GHG goals being realized Sources https://webcms.pima,gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server 6/File/Government/Systainability%20and%20Conservation/Sustainability%20and%20Conservation%20newsroom/Sustaina ble%20Action%20Plan/Sustaina ble-ActiorvPlarvfor-County-Operations.pdf https://www.po wer-technologv.com/marketdata/aio-artd-bagdad-solar-pv-park-us/ DC ; Washington Oxon Run Community ! Brownfield ; Solar ^ (2020 completion) : -Clean Energy DC Act of : 2018; Solar-for-AII program : -Energy equity: community ' : • solar for low to moderate : ; ; income residents • : -Clean energy/climate : : ^ protection tax ; -Bill credit allocation : ' -Rezoning and permitting ' ; : process efficiency ; ; • -Local subcontractor hiring preference i ^ -Interagency collaboration Sources Interview with Emil King: DOEE Program Manager - Oxon Run Community Solar Project (September 2022) ;://doee.dc.gov/service/oxonrunsolar ;://www.fcnl.org/updates/2022-04/dc-solar-farm-offers-preview-clean-enerev-future ;://www.mapc,org/wp~content/uploads/2021/05/Panel Solar For All Oxon Run B2B.pdf -Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) -Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) -Delivery of free 'clean' power -reduced air pollution and asthma -30,000 metric tons GHG emissions avoided -Restored native pollinator planting, pollinator meadows and plants -local construction jobs -energy equity addressed, free energy ($500 credit) 13 EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs ------- ME Tremont Tremont Solar Project (2019 completion) Landfill -"Energy Independence" goals established via environmental commitment of local grassroot group -Community engagement, citizen focused and prioritizing protected lands (e.g., Acadia National Park) to limit ecological disruption -Community empowerment and involvement -Energy purchased locally -Utility subscription for savings benefitting locals -Promote community solar and clean energy jobs -Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard -Maine's Climate Action Plan -Maine's Energy Laws and Legislation -Federal Tax Credit for Solar/PV installation Sources //www.aclimatetothrive.org/what-we-do niijs //www.mairg.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-signs-maior-renewable-energy-and-climate-change-bi NC Charlotte Charlotte Solar Farm (in-progress) Landfill -2018 Strategic Energy Action Plan -Multi-municipality collaboration and participation on Duke Energy's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) ls-law-2019-06-26 -Duke Energy's Green Source Advantage (GSA) program -Renewable energy certificates (RECs) -Renewable energy utility green tariffs Sources //dtvrenewables.org/storv/multiple-local-governments-nc/ //www.wbtv,com/storv/34165060/solar-farrri-mav-sprout-on-a-charlott&-landfill-dosed'-for-decades/ -Energy costs savings -Groups goals served as strategy and passage of State Energy related laws -Environmental impacts mitigated -Local jobs created -City savings of $2 million in energy over the next 20 years -Create over 400 local jobs -Improve air quality which helps the City avoid $20 million in expected regional healthcare expenses -Reduce carbon emissions equivalent to removing 12,000 passenger vehicles from the road >://rmi.org/achievine-clean-energv-legi5lation-in-a-moderate-5tate/ EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs 14 ------- NJ Somerset Carlstadt Scientific ^ Superfund I -Solar Renewable Energy (2020 completion) program ^ -Permitting one-stop shop, ; accelerated environmental review and coordination of . renewable projects -County issued 67.5M in bond funding - Developer agreement to maintain and operate system for 15 years -Private investment from developer for developer costs Sources https://www.co,somerset,ni,us/gwernment/administrator-s~office/improvement-authority/solar-renewable~energv-program https://semspub.epa.gov/work/HQ/100002041.pdf NJ Trenton Trenton Solar Farm ' Brownfield : -City of Trenton's Revitalization (2010 completion) i Project ; - Brownfield Action Plan (BAP) ; -Brownfield coordinator funded : for20yrs : -Interagency and municipality ; collaboration -Permit requirements modified * -Phased document signoff; a : : codified signoff approach ! -Fee exemptions and waived : -Utility solar program creation Sources https https //www.trentonnj.org/DocumentCenter/View/221/2018-Brown fi el ds-ActiorvPlarvPDF //www.ni.com/business/2010/08/psee starts 13 megawatt solar.html -Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/construction-of-psegs-trenton-solar-farm-underwav-99867579.htm TX ! Houston Sunnyside Solar Farm Landfill : -Climate Action Plan ' (in-progress) : -City of Houston Complete ; Community Initiative : : : -Promote energy equity and ; clean energy jobs Sources - TX Railroad Commission's Brownfield program -Rent payment from solar company, 20-year lease agreement -Renewable farm spur area development and economy -Power supplied to 60% of area businesses -Green jobs creation -Power to more than 200 homes -Energy bill reduction -EJ, equity, community needs and emission goals addressed -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 ; ://ci tyren e wa bl es, org/sto ry/ho usto n-tx-2/ ** Important program/strategy that contributed to project success (e.g., State policy, non-local policy/program) 15 EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs ------- Discussions and Conclusions In the previous section, the aforementioned selected local renewable projects highlighted key policies and tools that promoted use of renewables while contributing to the solar projects' success. As such, their project success factors and/or best practices can be grouped into the following seven categories that are discussed in the following summary table. ¦ Support Reuse of Compromised Lands ¦ Promote Renewable Energy Policy ¦ Education and Outreach ¦ Focus on EJ/Energy Equity ¦ Streamline Permitting and/or Environmental Review ¦ Customer-centric Procurement Requirements (subscription choice) ¦ Interagency Coordination The following table compares/contrasts success factors and/or best practices employed by local governments to promote renewable energy policy that readers interested in solar development may find beneficial. Support Reuse of Compromised Lands The RE-Powering America's Lands Initiative encourages solar development on brownfields, mine lands and landfills in an effort to reuse these compromised lands and minimize disruption of pristine lands. A huge benefit may include reduced land and infrastructure construction costs for the municipality. ¦ As a way to achieve emission reduction goals, Ajo, AZ's Sustainability Action Plan promotes renewable development on compromised lands. ¦ To mitigate land costs, GHG emissions and environmental degradation, DC leveraged a vacant brownfield dumping site to develop a community solar farm and the District supports the use of compromised lands for redevelopment while contributing to the achievement of climate goals. ¦ To mitigate ecological disruption and use of protected lands, Tremont, ME focused its solar development efforts on compromised was developed on a former landfill. ¦ Charlotte's 2018 "Strategic Energy Action Plan" promotes the use of former landfills to achieve its clean and renewable energy goals. ¦ Trenton, NJ's Brownfield Action Plan and the City's Revitalization Project promotes redevelopment on comprised lands, e.g., brownfields. ¦ Houston promotes redevelopment on contaminated properties as there is a history of these problematic areas heavily seen in the underserved communities. Promote Renewable Energy Policy ¦ Local grassroot community organizers galvanized residents in Tremont, ME to propose and pass local renewable energy policy on the Island allowing for their community Solar Project. ¦ The Clean Energy DC Act established the City's format for clean, renewable and green energy goals. ¦ Charlotte, NC's Strategic Energy Plan allowed for aggressive clean energy goals to be met by use of renewable energy. City targeted powering Federal facilities and fleet with 100 percent-zero carbon sources by 2030 and providing 10,000 homes with solar power. ¦ Somerset, NJ's Solar Renewable Energy program allows for customers to earn certificates for solar generation while contributing to the City's aggressive solar energy goals. ¦ Trenton, NJ's Brownfield Action Plan outlines the City's aggressive solar energy plans along with their creation of the utility solar program to promote and produce efficient renewable energy. ¦ The City of Houston's Climate Action Plan in combination with TX's Railroad Commission's Brownfield program set the stage for the City's solar project and assist with achieving their solar and green goals. Education and Outreach Public meetings discussing project plans and renewable concepts to obtain community buy-in is crucial for local renewable policy acceptance and development. ¦ Tremont, ME's Solar Project galvanized local Island residents to understand and accept solar energy development. EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs 16 ------- ¦ Similarly, DC's Oxon Run Community Solar, Charlotte NC's Solar Farm, Trenton NJ's Solar Project and the TX's ongoing Sunnyside solar farm all engaged in countless community events to educate and promote citizen involvement in the renewable energy project development. ¦ Charlotte, NC and 14 other municipalities collaborated on and were educated about their utility's (Duke Energy) energy IRP (Integrated Resource Plan) regulatory review process which highlighted the utility's planned service of energy to the municipalities. ¦ The City of Houston's Action Plan included educating and training students for solar, clean and green energy jobs. Focus on EJ/Energy Equity ¦ Tremont, ME's solar project provides for low-income and other individuals who would not otherwise have been able to afford solar power. ¦ DC's brownfield redevelopment and providing community solar power in a low to moderate income residential area addresses the City's goals of EJ and energy equity, essentially providing residents with free energy (via SREC for the monthly bill credits). ¦ Trenton, NJ's Revitalization Project and Brownfield Action Plan focuses its redevelopment efforts on marginalized communities impacted by contaminated lands and developed solar projects for low-moderate income households. ¦ Houston's Complete Community Initiative is focused on historically underserved communities to promote and develop efficient, environmentally safe and affordable energy and homes by addressing problematic land uses and build energy equity and resilience. Streamline Permitting and/or Environmental Review ¦ Ajo's Solar One Stop website was created to streamline its solar permitting process to move more solar projects to fruition. ¦ Rezoning and permitting process efficiencies were implemented by DC's Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) for solar project developments. ¦ The City of Somerset, NJ implemented a 'one-stop' permitting process to accelerate environmental review and coordination for solar development and other renewable projects. ¦ Trenton, NJ modified permit requirements and phased document sign-off to encourage solar development. Customer-centric Procurement Requirements (subscription choice) ¦ Tremont, ME Solar Project galvanized local Island residents for community solar which provides energy to low- income and other individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford solar power. ¦ Ajo, AZ's 25-year agreement with the utility provider and the State's tool (Renewable Energy Standard & Tariff- REST) allow customers to be the beneficiaries of consistent and reduced energy costs. ¦ DC's "Solar-for- AN" program established the RPS for which, Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) were allocated to residents' monthly bill credit allotment for usage of the community solar farm. ¦ Charlotte, NC leveraged Duke Energy's Green Source Advantage (GSA) program to allow customers the option to select and negotiate all price terms with a renewable supplier, of choice. This include the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) produced by the renewable facility and an agreed upon mutually beneficial contract length up to 20 years. Interagency Coordination ¦ DC partnered with several organizations to design, deliver and maintain a successful solar project (i.e., DOEE partnered with the Department of General Services (DGS), GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic (GRID), Groundswell and Lightbox). ¦ Robust and consistent municipality and interagency collaboration is credited with Trenton, NJ's solar development achievements. ¦ Tremont, ME's grassroot group, ACTT, facilitated the collaboration of all four MDI towns, local and state representatives to address shared community/MDI's vision and the goal of making the island an epicenter of citizen engagement, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality. ¦ Charlotte's solar farm development is a partnership with the various departments within the City of Charlotte, City Counsel, the County, Carolina Solar Energy and Ecoplexus. EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs 17 ------- In summary, the selected seven solar projects displayed local governments' policies, programs, incentives and creative tools they leveraged to create a successful (or highly likelihood of success) solar project for their community, and often times, an equitable solar development. For instance, following are two notable creative tools that significantly contributed to the local governments' renewable policy. ¦ Somerset, NJ's use of: issuance of $67.5 M bond funding, signage of an agreement for developer to operate and maintain system for 15 years, funds from private investment for developer to pay developer costs, and the City beneficiary of receiving rent payment from solar company via a 20-year lease agreement. ¦ Trenton, NJ's ancillary energy strategies included: funding a brownfield coordinator for 20 years (via Trenton's Brownfield Action Plan) which would secure consistent brownfield coordination, using fee waivers and exemptions to encourage developers to develop solar and use of compromised lands, implementing utility solar program that allowed for solar usage by all levels of income residents and using phased document sign-off along with modified permitting requirements to promote and encourage more renewable projects. To conclude, analyses and summaries of local governments' policies, programs, creative tools and incentives for the featured and selected solar energy developments, provide readers with best practices and key factors that may contribute to their solar development and ultimate successful project completion. EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs 18 ------- APPENDIX Reference Materials: RE-Powering Overview: RE-Powering Initiative and Local Renewable Policy 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, by 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. 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. Resources: RE-Powering Response Team (https://www.epa.aov/re-powerina) Headquarters Lora St fine (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 Wisconsin) 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 EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs 19 ------- 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 Additional RE-Powering 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/2C n 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.ong/engagement-tracker/). Furthermore, a document is also available that highlights selected Profiles of State RE policies and programs (state program profiles) which are also known States leading in solar development. EPA Publication Number: 540S23002 Prepared under contract number DE-SC0014664 Summary: Profiles of Local Government Renewable Energy Policies & Programs 20 ------- |