Listening Sessions Scheduled to Get Input on Benefits of Clean Energy Siting in Rural Areas
While clean energy investments can bring economic opportunities to agricultural producers and rural Americans, there is no one size fits all solution or best practice for siting projects like wind and solar because each hosting community is unique. Understanding and addressing concerns about potential loss of farmland, decreased home values or impact on rural character is vital to fostering abundant opportunities to benefit from clean energy.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are seeking diverse perspectives about what the agencies can do through their leadership, program guidance, or research and information sharing to encourage positive outcomes that benefit farmers, rural Americans, the renewable energy industry and other interested parties.
Stakeholders are invited to participate in a series of public listening sessions this winter to provide feedback on the benefits and challenges of the rapidly increasing levels of clean energy being sited on agricultural lands and in rural communities. Register to participate virtually by clicking on the link below for the selected date and time:
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Government Permitting and Policy Representatives (state, county, local)
Jan. 12, 2024, at 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. ET
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Agriculture Producers
Jan. 16, 2024, at 10 – 11:30 a.m. ET
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All Stakeholders and Members of the Public
Jan. 16, 2024, at 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. ET
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Energy Electric Coops and Clean Energy Developers
Jan. 17, 2024, at 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. ET
Written comments may also be submitted to sm.rd.cleanenergysiting@usda.gov by Jan. 20, 2024, If you would like to subscribe to USDA communications on this listening session topic of American Farms, Rural Benefits, please contact us at the above address.
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