More states authorizing local governments to provide loans for small-scale renewable energy projects

In collaboration with Amanda Zidek-Vanega (DSIRE)

A growing number of states have adopted a policy that encourages development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects: Property Tax Financing Authorization. The concept began in Colorado and California and has now gained momentum in a number of other states.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has issued a report that provides an overview of existing wind energy ordinances across the country. The increase in wind energy development also creates a new responsibility on the part of local governments to ensure that ordinances will be established to aid development of safe facilities that are embraced by the community.

2008 USDA Farm Bill

On May 22, 2008, Congress overrode the President's veto of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the "Farm Bill"). The Farm Bill is an investment in our nation's food and farm economy. It will ensure food security and promote healthier foods and local food networks, strengthen international food aid and reform commodity and farm programs, protect our natural resources and promote homegrown renewable energy.

2007 was a landmark year for energy policy in Minnesota. The legislature passed the strongest renewable energy standard in the nation with overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle. This law makes Minnesota a leader in clean energy policy and creates a great opportunity for our state to reap the rewards of the booming renewable energy industry. With the passage of The Next Generation Energy Act of 2007, the legislature made sure much of the economic benefits of the increased renewable energy would stay in our rural communities.

Minnesota’s original (2005) Community-Based Energy Development (C-BED) legislation offers some important benefits to community wind projects, but understanding how it works can be a little challenging. This article will try to explain the major aspects of the C-BED program and illustrate how community projects are helped with a simple example.

Interconnection is the process of hooking your wind electricity generator into the larger electricity grid.

Interconnection standards and policies vary from state to state, and can have a large impact on the economics and feasibility of wind projects.