Renewable Energy Battles: Local Bans and Land Lease Fights Across America

USA TODAY's analysis found that 15% of counties nationwide have impediments to new utility-scale wind and solar energy, including bans, moratoriums, height and setback restrictions, noise limits, ridgeline rules, agricultural limits, and political blocks. Some states have taken steps to push back against local restrictions, while others remain pro-renewable. The analysis, conducted with the support of the McGraw Center for Business Journalism, highlights the challenges faced by green energy developers at the local level across the United States.