A critical issues analysis (CIA) is a tool that helps renewable energy developers assess the permitting requirements and environmental impacts of their projects. By conducting a CIA, developers can identify the potential effects of their projects on resources and receptors such as land, air, wildlife, and human health, and the mitigation measures that can reduce or avoid them. A CIA also helps developers identify and comply with the relevant federal, state, and local regulations and standards, and address the concerns and expectations of the stakeholders and the public. The CIA should identify unique resources and regulations that may affect the project budget and timeline.
Local Regulations and Public Sentiment
As more renewable energy developers are proposing and building solar farms, we are finding local regulations are a risk to projects. For instance, a judge rejected a proposed solar farm in Pennsylvania due to the lack of evidence that the glare produced by the solar panels would not have a significant adverse impact on neighboring or adjacent uses. The judge’s decision is based on a local ordinance. Those local ordinances affecting renewable energy projects are something ESE searches for during our CIA process.
Impact on Project Planning
The Pennsylvania court decision suggests that the solar company may revise or resubmit its application for a special exception, which implies that the project planning process may be delayed or modified due to the legal challenge and the need to comply with the local regulations. The CIA presents a chance to identify such regulations and plan for compliance to avoid similar delays.
