Renewable Energy Choice Act

Key Points

• This bill would stop state and local governments from banning or restricting renewable energy projects like wind farms, solar arrays, energy storage, and geothermal systems. It prevents any law, regulation, building code, or policy that blocks people from connecting to or expanding renewable energy services.
• The bill sets specific limits on how restrictive local rules can be. Local governments could not cap wind turbine heights below 525 feet, impose setback requirements greater than 1,000 feet, or set sound limits below 50 decibels. These guardrails are designed to prevent communities from using zoning rules to effectively block projects.
• Local governments would be banned from imposing moratoriums on renewable energy projects lasting more than six months, including extensions. This targets a common tactic used to delay or indefinitely stall clean energy development.
• Permitting fees for renewable energy projects must be in line with fees charged for other energy projects of similar size. This prevents localities from using inflated fees to discourage renewable energy development.
• The bill covers wind, solar, energy storage, and geothermal energy. It was introduced by Sen. Merkley and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. It would represent a significant federal preemption of local authority over energy siting decisions.