Solar Energy Land Use and Zoning Issues: Key Regulations, Large-Scale Use Factors and Conflicts, Agreements, Credits

Recording of a 90-minute premium CLE webinar with Q&A

Conducted on Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Recorded event now available

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Course Materials

This CLE course will provide renewable energy counsel with an in-depth analysis of critical issues for solar energy land use and zoning. The panel will discuss key federal and state regulatory challenges, identifying solar resources and mapping, use of federal, state and tribal lands, other large-scale solar use factors and conflicts, considerations for lease and easement agreements, and obtaining tax incentives.

Description

Solar energy is recognized as one of the most valuable sources of renewable energy. However, the development of solar power systems is riddled with complex regulatory requirements, zoning issues, and other challenges that must be properly managed by renewable energy attorneys.

Solar energy continues to be one of the fastest growing sources of electricity generation with developments on private land and buildings in a variety of jurisdictions nationwide. In addition to federal regulations, many states or local governments continue to enact legislation for renewable energy within their jurisdiction. Solar energy project participants must have clarity on the federal and state regulation of solar land uses and best practices in solar zoning.

For large scale and principal use solar, grasping a complete understanding of solar resources and mapping, potential land use conflicts, special issues related to locating solar facilities on federal, state, and tribal lands, and issues relating to low-impact solar development are essential to overcoming the challenges relating to land use and zoning for solar energy.

Listen as our panel provides guidance on the initial planning, land use, zoning issues, agreements, and incentives for solar energy developments. The panel will also offer best practices for large scale solar use and techniques to overcome potential land use conflicts and other challenges.

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Outline

  1. Key federal and state regulations
  2. Siting and permitting, including
    1. Local land use considerations
    2. Conflicts and other use concerns regarding large-scale solar projects
    3. On-site energy storage
  3. Leases and easements
  4. Locating solar facilities on federal, state and tribal lands
  5. State and local tax incentives and abatements

Benefits

The panel will review these and other key issues:

  • What are the critical federal regulations for solar energy development and land use?
  • What recent legislation at the state level focuses on solar energy zoning and land use?
  • What are the essential factors to consider for large scale solar use projects?
  • What are the key negotiating and drafting points for lease and easement agreements?
  • What are the common siting and permitting challenges and methods to overcome them?
  • How can you ensure that tax credits and other incentives are maintained?

Faculty

Andrews, John
John W. Andrews
Counsel
Snell & Wilmer

Mr. Andrews has over 30 years of practice experience in public lands, real estate, mineral, environmental and Native...  |  Read More

Barry, Kyle
Kyle C. Barry
Partner
McGuireWoods

Mr. Barry has an extensive background in business expansion services and economic development projects, with a special...  |  Read More

Keene, D. Brennen
D. Brennen Keene
Partner
McGuireWoods

Mr. Keene serves as co-lead of the firm’s renewable energy team. He assists clients with land-use and...  |  Read More

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