HARRISBURG, PA — The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has secured a $1.96 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. This funding is dedicated to creating state-specific outreach and educational resources aimed at aiding communities in developing clean, renewable energy projects.
The initiative, known as the Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning program (R-STEP), is designed to support communities in planning renewable energy projects that are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. By leveraging this program, Pennsylvania aims to reinforce its position as a leader in the energy sector, focusing on tailoring renewable energy solutions to fit the unique needs of its communities.
“Pennsylvania has always been an energy leader,” remarked DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “With outreach and education through this grant, we can help local governments find the right places and right kind of renewable energy for their communities.” The R-STEP program will guide local governments in identifying optimal locations for wind and solar projects, ensuring that development aligns with community interests and scientific data.
The program emphasizes increasing community involvement and employing science-based methodologies for siting renewable energy projects. DEP, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS), Penn State Extension Energy Team, and Penn State Center for Energy Law and Policy, will prepare comprehensive materials to aid local governance. These materials will address key areas such as permitting processes, community engagement strategies, and zoning regulations.
Acting Secretary Shirley further emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, stating, “Fighting climate change and lowering energy costs with renewable energy takes leadership from every level of government – from the federal government to Commonwealth government down to county and municipal governments. We all have a role to play.”
Since 2021, the DEP has been actively working with the Pennsylvania R-STEP team, investing $270,000 from the State Energy Program (SEP) to facilitate training and technical assistance for local government officials. This effort has included 26 listening sessions, reaching over 650 officials statewide, providing them with vital insights into planning and permitting large-scale renewable projects. These sessions have covered essential topics such as land use, zoning ordinances, and site engineering, balancing the interests of various stakeholders including landowners and developers.
The initiative has also produced the Municipal Officials’ Guide to Grid-Scale Solar Development in Pennsylvania, a key resource for local authorities navigating the complexities of renewable energy projects. With the recent R-STEP grant, DEP aims to broaden these efforts, reaching more communities and enhancing their capacity to engage with and benefit from renewable energy initiatives.
By prioritizing community engagement and informed siting practices, the R-STEP program seeks to foster widespread support for renewable energy projects, ultimately contributing to Pennsylvania’s broader environmental and economic objectives. This initiative not only aims to mitigate climate change impacts but also strives to lower energy costs, offering a sustainable path forward for local communities across the state.
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