Solar energy projects have been proposed across Pennsylvania at the utility-scale level, meaning that they are large enough to send power to our electric grid. Unfortunately, these promising projects are often stopped at the local level, sometimes after planning and permitting processes have already made significant progress. Even well-intentioned local municipalities can be a barrier to renewable energy adoption since they can control local land use. Much of this resistance is driven by misinformation.
The good news is that you can play a role in ensuring that your neighbors know the facts and understand the benefits of bringing more clean energy to our communities!
Our Work
Several projects are proposed in Pennsylvania that need vocal support from community members to advance through local government approvals. We are activating Sierra Club supporters to engage in the public process and help educate their neighbors about the benefits of solar. In Centre County, Sierra Club volunteers have already had a direct impact on securing local government support for a solar project.
- Webinar - "Here Comes the Sun: How You Can Support Grid-Scale Solar Projects in Pennsylvania"
- Factsheet - Grid-Scale Solar Ordinance Considerations
- Factsheet - Agriculture & Solar: Helping Farms Stay Farms
- Blog - "Zoning Change in Centre County Allows Solar Project to Move Forward"
- Press - “Approved Rush Township solar project to reclaim 2,000 acres of toxic mineland for clean energy development”