Purdue Extension Focuses on Renewable Energy

(photo courtesy of Hoosiers for Renewables)

Purdue Extension is partnering with Hoosiers for Renewables and Indiana Farm Bureau to conduct a comprehensive study on land use regulations for wind and solar renewable energy and trends related to climate change planning. Purdue Extension’s Land Use Team is planning to survey county plan directors to determine the land use policies and strategies Hoosier communities currently have in place.

Purdue says the team is also looking to discover factors communities consider when addressing land use policies and motivations for local governments to approve or reject climate change and renewable energy in policy.

“We appreciate the Purdue team taking on this initiative to collect and analyze the planning data that counties are currently utilizing,” said Steve Eberly, executive director of Hoosiers for Renewables. “Our goal is to better understand how Indiana communities make decisions regarding these complex issues and their associated impacts on planning for renewable energy projects. Ultimately, this project will provide local officials with an additional resource to assist with their decision-making process,”

Purdue says survey results will be unveiled at the Indiana Land Use Summit in September. The team will also provide a summary report of wind and solar ordinance findings in the state. Purdue Extension is planning to create community snapshots of renewable energy efforts that local leaders can use to make policy decisions and revitalize renewable energy efforts.

The survey is expected to be available to county plan commissioners and local planning departments through May 28.