Hoosiers are poised to shape their future through informed advocacy for healthy, resilient communities and increased integration of renewables into its energy mix.
The Center for Energy Education last week hosted a renewable energy workshop in Crawfordsville, specifically focusing on utility-scale solar projects, to outline and inform communities of the role of renewables within the energy and workforce landscape as it continues to evolve and diversify.
The public gathering welcomed a range of community leaders, academic advisors and industry experts who discussed renewable energy investments and opportunities to promote economic growth and mitigate climate change.
They touched on the status and future of solar in Indiana, the economic benefits of solar, renewable energy and land use, property values, environment, health and safety as well as vegetation management, all topics that come with questions and misconceptions. The speakers provided information to debunk the misconceptions.
Speakers noted the importance of understanding that a renewable energy project is just like any other economic development project, with one difference: revenue received through an economic development agreement with a renewable energy developer is unrestricted and can be used for many purposes, such as monetary incentives to assist in preserving and saving Indiana Beach from closing, as was the case in White County.
They shared that funds received through an economic development agreement may be used for infrastructure or to promote local 4-H programming or other youth programs, as well as tourism opportunities in your communities, and many other purposes. Those monies are unrestricted and can be used to benefit local communities.
Local officials, representatives from academia, and others in attendance noted that they were happy to be a part of the workshop and were very pleased with the information they received, and the level of knowledge shared by each speaker.
