Renewable energy siting
Update: this legislation failed to be passed by the 2026 legislature.
The legislature is considering a law that would create state-wide standards for siting renewable energy projects. Counties and cities would still review each siting project and would allow public input as part of the decision.
Counties would benefit from the taxes that the projects generate. Landowners who choose to lease their land for renewable energy projects would benefit from the income they make from leasing their land for the projects.
What you can do
This bill is ready to be debated on the House floor. Ask your state representative to support HF2580 (formerly HSB692), To look up your House member, see Iowa Legislature - Representatives , www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/house , or to Find your legislator
More information
This bill:
Sets clear, statewide rules for siting wind, solar, and battery projects, so local governments can’t arbitrarily create extra hurdles or outright ban them in agricultural or industrial areas. This helps renewable projects move forward more smoothly.
Protects landowners’ rights and property through safeguards like required setbacks between renewable facilities and homes, plus a process for landowners to waive those setbacks if they choose. The bill also requires companies to fix any damage they cause and to restore the land when a project is done.
Gives neighbors and the public a say: The bill requires local authorities to review and decide on renewable project applications within a set timeframe, and it gives nearby property owners the right to participate, either by waiving standards or appealing decisions if they’re unhappy. This ensures the community has a voice in the process.
We care because:
Over half of Iowa counties have passed ordinances that don’t allow landowners to benefit from renewable development, even if they voluntarily would like to enter into these agreements.
We need a state policy that provides certainty for developers, protects land for open space, development, and agriculture, and still allows renewable energy to remain a viable option for farmers and counties supporting essential services and infrastructure.
Renewable leases are also a great source of income for farmers in a cyclical ag environment and can help bring the next generation into the operation or keep them on the farm.
Improving how solar and battery storage projects deliver local benefits would be a significant step toward helping counties see more value, which could increase openness to hosting these projects.